Qualcomm Snapdragon performance comparison! Examples of adopting IoT/embedded devices!

Qualcomm Snapdragon is increasing its presence in the IoT market

Qualcomm's Snapdragon SoC (System on Chip) is the main processor that has been widely used in smartphones running the Android OS. It is a device that integrates a CPU, which plays a central role in controlling the entire system, a GPU, which handles image processing, and a DSP, which handles signal processing, as its main functions.

Snapdragon used to be used mainly in the smartphone market, but as the technology and performance required for various products such as robot vacuum cleaners, AR/VR glasses, and drones have become more sophisticated, the field of activity has changed. We are also expanding into the IoT market.

This page introduces product information and development kits for the series that is expanding sales for IoT among Snapdragon SoCs.

What is Snapdragon for IoT?

The high-performance/multi-functional Snapdragon, which has a proven track record in smartphones, is accelerating its introduction into IoT/embedded devices. For example, in various devices such as smart cameras, robots, and payment terminals, there are an increasing number of use cases that aim to improve added value by implementing AI functions by utilizing the computing performance of Snapdragon. In addition, powerful core + α performance/functions such as high compatibility with wireless technologies such as 5G / LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, which are the company's strengths, and power-saving design that utilizes smartphone design know-how. It is also a feature that it can be realized.



Modular product (SOM) with Snapdragon

A System On Module (SOM) is an easy-to-use modular product that mounts a processor and necessary peripheral devices on a small board.

* Peripheral devices = power management IC, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth IC, memory, etc.

SOM shape image

In general, when developing a product using a processor, the design around the processor is a very complicated and time-consuming task. By introducing SOM, in addition to being able to design in a short period of time, the minimum purchase unit can be reduced, and the advantage is that it can be used for small lots and many types.

Macnica has a partnership agreement with Thundercom, a joint venture between Qualcomm and Thundersoft, and sells modules equipped with the processors introduced on this page. For details, please refer to the URL below.

Snapdragon SoC spec comparison table

The image below is a comparison table of the main specifications of each processor. If you would like more detailed specifications, please proceed from the inquiry button.

Snapdragon SoC comparison table
*Click the table to enlarge.

Snapdragon is divided into 8 series, 6 series, 4 series, and 2 series according to specifications, and basically the higher the number, the higher the performance.

In addition, the alphabet at the beginning of the product model number has the following meanings.

SD ⇒ Until a few years ago, SD was attached regardless of the product category. Not used in newly released products.

QCS ⇒ Processor for IoT. Mainly Android OS products. *Some exceptions apply

QRB ⇒ Processor for IoT. Mainly Linux OS products.

QCM ⇒ Processor for IoT. Mainly products with built-in Android OS + LTE function.

Snapdragon use cases/adoption cases

Main application example

Snapdragon has released SoCs with various specifications from high-end to low-end, and is installed in a wide range of products.

Here are some of the major adoption cases. When considering introduction, we can propose the optimum product based on the customer's required specifications.

Snapdragon Use Cases/Adoption Cases

Comparison of AI performance

Snapdragon AI performance comparison
*TOPS = Tera Operations Per Second

Development Kit with Snapdragon

Each SOM has a development kit for evaluation, and accessories such as cameras and displays are also available depending on the product. This page shows a development kit for the C610 SOM as an example. The shape of the evaluation board and the type of accessories differ depending on the SOM, so if you would like more information, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form.

image of development kit

Main documents that come with the development kit

Hardware related

・SOM Datasheet

⇒Data sheet containing information on SOM hardware specs, packages, pin assignments, electrical characteristics, etc.

・Hardware User Manual

⇒Development kit components, block diagrams, hardware manuals for external modules (camera/display/speaker, etc.)

・Schematic Reference Design

⇒ Development kit carrier board circuit diagram

Software related

・Bring-up Guide

⇒External module bring-up guide

・Software User Manual

⇒ User manual for performing simple function tests using the evaluation board

・Software Release Notes

⇒Development environment information, SDK download method/build procedure, guide on how to download pre-built ROM images

Click here for detailed information on Snapdragon-equipped products

Click the product image to open the product page in a separate window.

Inquiry/Quotation

If you have any questions about the contents of this page or would like more detailed product information, please contact us here.

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