This collaboration has yielded the MT7903, a powerful new MediaTek Filogic-branded chipset. This highly integrated solution boasts an impressive array of wireless connectivity options, including tri-band Wi-Fi 6E for high-bandwidth applications, Bluetooth 6 for short-range communication and device pairing, and integrated IEEE 802.15.4/Thread radios. This single-chip integration simplifies device design and reduces component costs for manufacturers.
Slated for sampling in the first half of 2025, the MT7903 is poised to significantly lower the barrier to entry for manufacturers looking to incorporate Thread into their products. This chipset will democratise Thread adoption by simplifying integration and reducing costs, enabling a broader range of devices to participate in the Thread network. This, in turn, will translate to more robust, responsive, and reliable smart home experiences for consumers, with improved device interoperability and reduced latency.
Beyond Thread, the MT7903 supports Matter, the open-source interoperability standard backed by major tech companies. Matter addresses the fragmentation of the smart home market by enabling seamless communication and control across devices from different manufacturers, regardless of their underlying communication protocols. The MT7903’s Matter support ensures compatibility and a unified, user-friendly smart home environment, eliminating the frustration of managing disparate ecosystems.
A key innovation within the MT7903 is the Thread Border Router Offload feature. This groundbreaking capability allows the main System-on-Chip (SoC) in a device, such as a smart TV, to enter a low-power sleep mode while maintaining uninterrupted connectivity with the Thread network. The MT7903 takes on the role of the Thread Border Router, handling communication with other Thread devices and ensuring the network remains active even when the main processor is idle. This significantly improves energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable smart home ecosystem and reducing power consumption for connected devices. This feature is particularly relevant for devices like always-on displays or set-top boxes, which can now maintain their smart home connectivity without incurring a significant power penalty.
This strategic partnership between Google and MediaTek combines Google’s deep expertise in smart home software and services with MediaTek’s proven leadership in semiconductor design and innovation. The MT7903 represents a significant milestone in realizing the vision of a truly interconnected and seamless smart home. By simplifying Thread integration, supporting Matter interoperability, and introducing innovative power-saving features, the MT7903 is set to revolutionize how we interact with and experience the connected home, paving the way for a future where smart home technology is more accessible, reliable, and energy-efficient.
