Spreadtrum Communications ("Spreadtrum"), a leading fabless semiconductor provider in China with advanced technology in 2G, 3G and 4G wireless communications standards announced its 64-bit Octa-Core LTE SoC platform, SC9860 chipset at mass production stage in 2016 Mobile World Congress (MWC), Barcelona. As Spreadtrum's single chip solution for medium and premium smart phones, SC9860 possesses excellent computing ability and features premium multi-media applications, which bring about ultimate user experience for global handset consumers.

SC9860 adopts advanced TSMC 16nm FFC process, which provides better power efficiency than that of the 20nm and 28nm products. It employs an ARM 64-bit, >2.0GHz, Octa-Core Cortex-A53 processor with the highest power efficiency and is embedded with cutting-edge Mali T880 MP4 GPU which supports high fidelity content for 4K and beyond, and boosts a powerful graphics performance. At the same time, SC9860 equips three ISPs to support up to 26Mp camera, dual camera and real-time rear/front camera capture/record. By which it supports real 3D capture. It integrates HEVC hardware support for Ultra HD 4K2K video record and playback, WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display. Moreover, the embedded SensorHub provides a complete user sensing and sensor fusion solution. With these high performance, high efficiency and high integration solution, SC9860 creates an ultimate user experience.

SC9860 supports two-way carrier aggregation and hybrid TDD/FDD network with LTE CAT7 modem. It enables peak target data transmission rate to 300 Mbps above in downlink and 100 Mbps in the uplink.

"SC9860 is Spreadtrum's first step forward to 4G SoC single chip, targeting medium and premium smart phone chip markets. This chipset demonstrates our significant technology breakthrough." said Dr. Leo Li, Chairman and CEO of Spreadtrum Communications. "Backed by TSMC's advanced technology and strategic support, we were an early adopter of its 16nm FFC process for our commercial cellular baseband product. The successful release of SC9860 proves Spreadtrum as an all-round player and underscores our leading position in global smart phone chip market. And Spreadtrum is on the way to continuously strengthening the R&D capabilities in handset chip design. This time, Spreadtrum SC9860 positions for medium and premium 4G smart phone markets. In the future, by collaborating with our customers and partners, we will design more innovative products with higher performance and smoother user experience."

President and Co-CEO of TSMC Dr. C.C. Wei comments, "Spreadtrum is a leading company in cellular baseband semiconductor. We are impressed with its phenomenal growth in recent years and are happy to have been Spreadtrum's partner since its inception. We are pleased to see Spreadtrum's high-end device SC9860 delivers excellent performance by employing TSMC's new 16nm FFC technology, which provides outstanding power efficiency and cost effectiveness for our customers. "

SC9860 has entered mass production stage. The LTE smart phone with this SoC platform is expected to launch in the second quarter of this year.