Product Description
The MediaTek MT7628KN/A is a high-performance, energy-efficient System on Chip (SoC) designed primarily for use in home and small-office routers, gateways, and IoT devices. One of the key features of the MT7628KN/A is its dual-core MIPS 24Kc processor, which operates at speeds up to 880 MHz. This dual-core design offers superior multitasking capabilities compared to single-core alternatives, allowing the chip to handle multiple network processes, such as routing, firewall tasks, and wireless communication, concurrently without compromising performance.
The MIPS architecture used in the MT7628KN/A is a 64-bit design, ensuring that it can support both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. This flexibility allows for future-proofing, enabling the chip to handle software applications and firmware that require 64-bit processing, such as more sophisticated networking features or enhanced security protocols. The 16 KB L1 cache per core and 128 KB shared L2 cache further enhance the performance of the chip, allowing faster data access and reducing latency for frequently used operations, which is crucial in networking tasks that demand low latency and high throughput.
For wireless connectivity, the MT7628KN/A integrates dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which is essential for modern networking devices. By supporting both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the chip can deliver data rates of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This enables fast and stable Wi-Fi connections, even in environments with many competing wireless devices. The MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO) feature is particularly important in these environments, as it allows the chip to serve multiple devices simultaneously, thus enhancing network performance in multi-device scenarios, such as in homes with many smart devices, smartphones, laptops, and other connected gadgets.
In addition to Wi-Fi, the MT7628KN/A supports up to four Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are critical for wired networking needs. Whether used for wired connections to desktop computers, game consoles, or other network devices, these Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure high-speed data transfer, making the chip suitable for high-performance network appliances such as routers, NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices, and network switches. The flexibility in LAN/WAN port configuration further allows the chip to adapt to different networking roles, whether acting as a gateway, router, or bridge device.
Memory and storage capabilities are also well-suited for embedded applications. The MT7628KN/A can support up to 128 MB of DDR2/DDR3 RAM and 128 MB of NAND flash storage, which is ample for a variety of consumer networking and IoT devices. The chip is designed to store firmware and configuration data in flash memory, which enables quick firmware updates and easy system restoration, essential for secure and reliable operation.
Security is another strong aspect of the MT7628KN/A. The chip supports secure boot, which ensures that only trusted firmware is loaded onto the device during startup, protecting it from malicious software and unauthorized firmware. Additionally, hardware encryption and VPN support (IPSec, PPTP, L2TP) ensure secure communication for sensitive data, making the chip ideal for applications where privacy and data protection are priorities, such as in routers with VPN features or devices used for secure communication.
The MT7628KN/A is also designed to be highly energy-efficient, making it a great choice for low-power, always-on devices. It operates at low voltages (1.0V to 1.2V) and features advanced power-saving modes, which contribute to extended operational life, especially in battery-powered or energy-conscious applications. With a wide operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, the chip is well-suited for use in both indoor consumer devices and more rugged industrial or IoT applications that may need to operate in harsh environments.
In conclusion, the MediaTek MT7628KN/A is an excellent solution for embedded networking applications, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, energy efficiency, and security. Its dual-core MIPS processor, dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and peripheral support make it a versatile chip for building high-performance routers, gateways, and IoT hubs, while its low power consumption and security features ensure that it is both cost-effective and reliable for always-on operation.
Specification
Processor:
Core Architecture: Dual-core MIPS 24Kc processor, with each core operating at up to 880 MHz.
Instruction Set: MIPS64 architecture, supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, which allows for greater flexibility in terms of software compatibility and multitasking.
Cache:
L1 Cache: 16 KB per core for quick access to frequently used data.
L2 Cache: 128 KB shared L2 cache, ensuring better data throughput and reducing latency when processing larger tasks.
Networking Features:
Wi-Fi:
Dual-Band 802.11ac: Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with the 5 GHz band offering higher data rates and less interference in crowded environments.
Wi-Fi Data Rates: Up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band (802.11ac), and up to 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band (802.11n), providing high-speed connectivity for various networking applications.
MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO): Allows the chip to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing congestion and improving overall throughput in environments with multiple connected devices.
Ethernet:
Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Supports up to 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps), allowing high-speed wired networking. Ideal for applications where both wired and wireless connectivity are necessary.
LAN/WAN Ports: Flexible configuration of LAN and WAN ports, making the MT7628KN/A suitable for use in both home and small office routers, gateways, and other networking equipment.
Memory:
RAM: Supports up to 128 MB of DDR2 or DDR3 RAM, depending on the implementation. This amount of memory is sufficient for handling networking tasks and light application processing in typical consumer and small-office devices.
Storage: Can support NAND flash storage up to 128 MB, allowing the device to store firmware, configurations, and user data.
USB and Peripheral Connectivity:
USB Ports: The chip includes one USB 2.0 host port for connecting external peripherals, such as storage devices, printers, or network-attached devices.
SPI and I2C: Supports Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) and I2C for connecting additional external components such as sensors, displays, or other embedded IoT devices.
Security Features:
Secure Boot: Ensures that only authenticated firmware is loaded onto the device, providing an extra layer of protection against malicious attacks and unauthorized software.
VPN Support: Compatible with various VPN protocols (IPSec, PPTP, L2TP) for secure remote access to networks and encrypted data transmission.
Power Management:
Low Power Consumption: The chip is designed for energy-efficient operation, making it ideal for continuous, 24/7 usage in home routers, IoT hubs, and other always-on devices.
Sleep Modes: Includes power-saving features like low-power sleep modes to extend device longevity and reduce operational costs.
Operating Voltage: Runs at a core voltage range of 1.0V to 1.2V, ensuring low power consumption while maintaining performance.
Physical Package:
Package Type: The MT7628KN/A comes in a compact QFN-88 package, which is well-suited for small and medium-sized consumer electronics and networking devices.
Temperature Range: The operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C, which makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, as well as industrial or IoT applications requiring robust temperature tolerance.
