ARM Processor and Physical IP Deliver Groundbreaking 750 MHz ARM11 Implementation

CAMBRIDGE, England, January 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)] today unveiled a groundbreaking high performance implementation of the ARM1176JZF-S(TM) processor, enhanced with the ARM(R) Artisan(R) Advantage(TM) cell library and memories, which achieves a frequency of more than 750 MHz in a high-performance 90nm foundry process while occupying only 2.4 mm2 of silicon area. This represents a significant performance increase through a combination of collaborative design, advanced physical IP and process technology. The optimized implementation delivers an industry-leading performance of more than 920 Dhrystone MIPS for existing applications and operating systems without the need for expensive software re-design or re-compilation.

"The industry leading combination of the ARM processor business and the Physical IP business acquired from Artisan a year ago is delivering technically as well as commercially," said Mike Inglis EVP Marketing and Business Development. "Our combined engineering teams have worked together to create a best-in-class 90nm design for semiconductor Partners serving the high volume digital consumer market."

The high-performance design is a fully routed, reference layout of the ARM1176JZF-S processor including 16KB instruction cache, 16KB data cache, 4x high-performance AMBA(R) 3 AXI(TM) interconnect interfaces to speed instruction and data access, and a vectorized floating-point unit (VFP). Based on the award winning ARM11(TM) family, the ARM1176JZF-S processor has been widely adopted for next generation consumer applications due to its high-end performance, energy efficiency and rich feature set.

"The new 750 MHz implementation of the ARM1176JZF-S processor illustrates the benefits of combining a complete range of ARM technology, in terms of performance, compatibility, lower risk and time-to-market," said John Cornish, VP Marketing, Processors Division, ARM. "The ARM Advantage library and memories combined with the ARM1176JZF-S processor highlights our commitment to providing leading-edge solutions for applications which need a higher level of performance with full software compatibility. This is the latest of several targeted implementations that combine our industry-leading processor and physical IP, to demonstrate high performance in a low cost and power footprint."

The ARM Advantage family of cell libraries and memories delivers high-performance and low-power, and provides an out-of-the-box solution for demanding digital home, entertainment, and other high-end applications. The ARM Advantage family reinforces the powerful synergy between ARM's processor and physical IP products. Combined, these complementary technologies enable ARM to offer the industry's broadest portfolio of system-on-chip (SoC) IP, and deliver performance and power optimized processor implementations for deep sub-micron silicon design.

The ARM1176JZF-S synthesizable processor is targeted at consumer and wireless devices such as digital TVs, set-top-boxes, games consoles, and mobile phones. The processor incorporates ARM Jazelle(R) technology for Java acceleration, ARM TrustZone(R) technology, a key enabling technology, targeted specifically at securing consumer products running open Operating Systems (OS), such as Symbian OS, Linux and Windows CE, and a Vector Floating-Point (VFP) coprocessor to provide powerful acceleration for embedded 3D graphics.

Availability

The high speed ARM1176JZF-S processor implementation with 16K Instruction and Data caches will run at more than 750MHz, with a die size of only 2.4mm2 and less than 500mW of power including caches. The ARM1176JZF-S processor, and the Advantage cell library and memories for the TSMC 90GT process, are available now. For further information contact your local ARM office or visit http://www.arm.com

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

ARM, Jazelle, AMBA and TrustZone are registered trademark of ARM Limited. ARM11, ARM1176JZ(F)-S and AXI is a trademark of ARM Limited. Artisan is a registered trademark of ARM Physical IP, Inc.; Advantage is a trademark of ARM Physical IP, Inc. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; AXYS GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Physical IP, Inc.