Socle Technology Develops ARM Mali Graphics Based SOC Designs Targeting 28nm Technology

January 5, 2012 -- Socle Technology Corporation, a provider of SoC (System on Chip) design and implementation services, and ARM announced today that Socle Technology has developed SoC designs using ARM® Mali™ Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) targeting GLOBALFOUNDRIES 28nm process. This is based on a new licensing agreement with ARM for multiple advanced graphics processing technologies, including the Mali-400 MP GPU. It builds on Socle Technology’s existing license agreements with ARM for a broad range of IP, including ARM Cortex™ MPCore™ processors, Mali GPUs and foundry-sponsored ARM Artisan® Physical IP.

The new license agreement allows Socle Technology to integrate ARM Mali GPU into advanced 28nm designs and provide customers with SoC solutions based on the advanced graphics performance of the technology. This will satisfy customer requirements for next generation platform designs and provide consumers with an improved visual experience on their mobile devices. Socle Technology expects solutions to be taped out in 2012 and available for use in multimedia, smart TVs, smartphones and mobile devices. As a member of the ARM Connected Community, Socle Technology uses a diverse range of ARM intellectual property (IP) to provide optimized solutions based on the ARM architecture.

"The development of next generation design services and platform solutions based on advanced ARM IP and the latest process technology is an important commitment to customers, as well as being core to Socle Technology’s strategy,” said Mr. Stone Peng, President and CEO, Socle Technology. "To deliver on this commitment Socle Technology is now licensing a broader range of advanced ARM IP, which includes Mali-400 and Mali-300 GPUs, as well as Cortex-A9 and Cortex-A8 processors. The increasing number of licenses provides customers with more options and allows them to future-proof their solutions. Socle Technology will continue to strengthen its design services and platform solutions, and collaborate with partners, such as ARM and GLOBALFOUNDRIES, to satisfy the requirements for next generation applications."

"Socle Technology is a valued member of the ARM ecosystem and their design services, based on 28nm process technology and advanced ARM IP, will provide customers with the options they need to compete in today’s competitive market place,“ said Kevin Smith, vice president of marketing, media processing division, ARM. “Today’s agreement will help Socle Technology build on its position in the connected consumer and mobile computing markets as a leading provider of SoC design services and platform solutions, and will open up new opportunities for Socle Technology's customers."

About Socle Technology

Socle Technology Corporation, founded in 2001 and invested by GLOBALFOUNDRIES since December 2009, is well-recognized as a leading-edge provider of SoC design and implementation services as well as an architect for more complicated SoC design technology in advanced process nodes. As a strategic partner, Socle has developed some of the best ARM hardcore and ARM embedded SoC platforms among ARM solution providers worldwide. For the best design service with the one-stop-shop convenience, Socle works closely with GLOBALFOUNDRIES and other world-class partners of IP, EDA, and assembly and testing. www.socle-tech.com

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that is 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 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, video engines, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. Find out more about ARM by following these links: