Arm has announced its latest offering in the realm of mobile computing with the introduction of Arm Total Compute Solutions 2023 (TCS23). This platform is designed to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency for smartphones, catering to the ever-increasing demands of modern mobile experiences.
At the core of TCS23 is the brand-new Arm Immortalis GPU, built on the 5th Generation GPU architecture. This cutting-edge GPU design redefines the graphics pipeline, reducing memory bandwidth and enabling high geometry games and real-time 3D applications. It brings smoother gameplay and console-like experiences to mobile devices. One notable feature of the 5th Gen GPU architecture is the introduction of Deferred Vertex Shading (DVS), a graphics enhancement that allows partners to scale for larger core counts and higher performance points. Popular games like Genshin Impact and Fortnite are already benefiting from the advantages of DVS.
The Immortalis-G720 is the flagship GPU in Arm’s portfolio and represents their most powerful and efficient GPU to date. It boasts a 15 percent improvement in performance and efficiency compared to the previous generation. This translates to higher quality graphics and more immersive visual experiences for users. In addition to the Immortalis-G720, Arm is also introducing the Arm Mali-G720 and Mali-G620 GPUs, aiming to bring premium graphics features to a wider range of consumer devices.
On the CPU front, TCS23 includes the Armv9 Cortex CPU compute cluster, which continues Arm’s tradition of delivering impressive performance gains and efficiency improvements. At the forefront of this cluster is the Arm Cortex-X4, the fourth-generation Cortex-X core. This CPU pushes the limits of performance on flagship smartphones, offering 15 percent more performance compared to its predecessor, the Cortex-X3. Despite the performance boost, the Cortex-X4 consumes 40 percent less power, making it more power-efficient. This advancement brings on-device experiences like UI responsiveness and application launch time to the next level and enables next-generation AI and machine learning applications.
Complementing the Cortex-X4 are the Arm Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A520 CPUs. The Cortex-A720 is an industry-leading CPU IP that delivers sustained performance, while the Cortex-A520 represents Arm’s most performant high-efficiency CPU core ever. With a 20 percent power efficiency improvement over previous generations, these CPU designs cater to use cases such as AAA gaming, all-day productivity, and background tasks.
To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, Arm emphasizes tighter coupling on process nodes and compute capabilities. In line with this, Arm has strengthened its partnership with TSMC by taping out the Cortex-X4 on the TSMC N3E process, a significant industry milestone. This collaboration maximizes the power, performance, and area (PPA) benefits of Arm’s processor technologies.
Ensuring software compatibility and security is a priority for Arm. TCS23 continues the adoption of 64-bit computing and introduces Armv9 security innovations, including the Arm Memory Tagging Extension (MTE). MTE plays a crucial role in eliminating memory safety bugs, which account for 70 percent of all software vulnerabilities. By deploying MTE across the mobile ecosystem, Arm aims to enhance security and protect against advanced digital threats.
Arm recognizes the importance of supporting developers in leveraging their hardware capabilities effectively. Their open-source software libraries, Arm NN and Arm Compute Library, enable developers to optimize the execution of AI and ML workloads on Armv9 Cortex-A CPUs and Arm GPUs. This support empowers developers to create AI-accelerated applications and deliver rich, intelligent experiences to end-users.
Looking ahead, Arm is committed to further advancing its CPU and GPU roadmap. Future investments include the development of the Krake GPU and the Blackhawk CPU, which will offer even more compute and graphics performance to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow’s mobile devices.
Arm Total Compute Solutions 2023 (TCS23) represents a significant milestone in the mobile computing landscape. With its Immortalis GPU, Armv9 Cortex CPU cluster, and focus on developer tools and security, TCS23 is poised to power the next generation of flagship smartphones. It aims to redefine the future of mobile computing by delivering superior performance, immersive graphics, and enhanced user experiences while prioritizing efficiency and security.
