Analysis of Apple Watch's S1 chip reveals 30 individual components in 'very unique' package
AppleInsider Staff
A deeper inspection of the S1 system-in-package that powers Apple's new wearable reveals a plethora of parts packed into an impressively compact space, including a new Apple-designed application processor alongside components from Broadcom, Skyworks, and NXP.
Apple's APL0778 chip — the heart of the system — was fabricated on Samsung's 28-nanometer low power process, according to Chipworks. At just 5.2 millimeters by 6.2 millimeters, the Apple processor is the largest component in the S1.
In a surprising change, longtime Apple supplier Cirrus was bumped from the Apple Watch in favor of audio codec and amplifier silicon from Maxim. Coincidentally, Apple now occupies much of Maxim's former campus in Sunnyvale, Calif.
As with the iPhone 6, NXP silicon makes up the NFC controller and the secure element, while AMS provides the NFC signal booster.
STMicroelectronics provides the Watch's six-axis accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as the encoder that powers the digital crown. Battery management duties went to parts from Texas Instruments.
Broadcom's popular BCM4334 — Â found in numerous Apple products, including the Apple TV and iPhone 5 — Â provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications capabilities in concert with a Skyworks Wi-Fi switch and low-noise amplifier.
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher and Mike Wuerthele
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
Marko Zivkovic
