Intel and ARM Finalize Architecture Roadmap Licensing Agreement

IP News
Intel and ARM Finalize Architecture Roadmap Licensing Agreement

CAMBRIDGE, UK and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 25, 1999 - Intel Corporation and ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)] today announced they have finalized a licensing agreement which will enable Intel to develop a full range of solutions based on current and future versions of the ARM® architecture beginning with version 5TE. Through this agreement, Intel will be able to strengthen its presence as a building block supplier to the Internet by designing and building future generations of RISC-based, ARM architecture compliant products.

"We believe the ARM architecture has proven itself as a leading processor platform in applied computing and embedded applications. Intel's StrongARM® implementation of the ARM architecture utilizes Intel's unique microarchitecture and low power technologies while remaining fully compatible with software available for ARM cores," said Thomas R. Franz, vice president, Computing Enhancement Group, and general manager, Applied Computing Products Division, Intel Corporation. "The high-performance, low-power StrongARM microprocessor family is essential to Intel's success in the portable, handheld and applied computing market segments."

"Intel has joined the growing ranks of companies that have embraced the ARM architecture and the ARM Partnership Model," said Reynette Au, vice president, Worldwide Marketing, ARM. "Intel's technological expertise helps push the envelope of the ARM roadmap. This agreement further validates ARM's acceptance as the architecture of choice in a wide range of high-performance, power-efficient, cost-effective solutions targeting applications such as portable telephony, digital consumer and e-commerce driven, Internet-enabled products."

ARM processors range in performance from 60 MHz (54 MIPS) to 175 MHz (200 MIPS), extending to 300 MHz (400+ MIPS) for processor cores currently in development. The cores are noted for performance, small die size, low power consumption, tight code density, and multiple supply sources. Intel's StrongARM processors are unique ARM architecture compliant implementations that are targeted to reach performance levels of 600 MHz (750 MIPS, estimated*). Instruction set compatibility between processor families promotes design reuse and reduces software development time. ARM offers full system-on-chip solutions including processor cores, peripheral intellectual property, development tools, applications software, EDA tools and design services. The ARM architecture is well supported by industry-leading semiconductor companies, systems companies, real-time operating system providers, third-party toolchain developers, application software providers and ARM design centers. Intel offers standalone StrongARM SA-110 processors as well as the highly integrated SA-1100, SA-1110 and IXP1200 network processors.

About ARM

ARM, a leading intellectual property (IP) provider, licenses high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming the volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multi-media digital consumer and embedded solutions. ARM serves its growing partnership base from offices in Cambridge and Maidenhead, UK; Los Gatos, California; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Northborough, MA, USA; Paris, France; Munich, Germany; Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking, and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

ARM, ARM Powered, StrongARM and Thumb are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Third-party brands and names are the property of their respective owners.

* Dhrystone 2.1 Source based on preliminary Intel estimates