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5. Team 9364D TI 2017 Challenge- The Qualcomm Microprocessor

    For the Robotics Challenge our team, 9364D, chose the Qualcomm MSM2300 microprocessor inside of a 1990’s handheld cellphone. Our team chose this part after realizing the importance of the Qualcomm MSM2300 microprocessor and everything it does for the phone.      Our team began by finding out all the purposes of the chip.We learned the processor was introduced in 1997 along with the phone. The purpose of the microprocessor was to be the “brain” of the phone. The chip held both preprogramed information and also information logged into the phone by the user. During the time in which it was created, the chip had a very fast search engine, and worked very well in areas with poor service coverage. The chip was very cheap for the processing power at the time. The processor was one of the first wireless singe chip modems. The chip compared to previous models that had enhanced CDMA, lowered system costs, lowered power consumption, and had more flexibility. It was also eight times faster than previous MSM models. The chip fine-tuned ASIC solutions and could easily run software from the MSM2.2 with few code changes. The processor also had more security than previous models along with 75% less power consumption. The new circuitry in the chip meant more control over individual functions. The MSM2300 also had a higher resolution and more microprocessors and DSP cores which fit into a single chip. The chip has multiple cellular modes and WLL systems. Our team found no Texas Instruments parts in the cellphone.     We learned how much the microprocessor does for a cellphone. Our team went from thinking the chip only held information to learning the phone could not even turn on without a microprocessor to control all of the systems.