ARM Expands RealView Product Family with Fast Simulation Technology to Speed Up Software Development

New ARM simulation technology offers software developers fast application code development within major operating systems on ARM processors

CAMBRIDGE, UK – June 8, 2005 – ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)] today announced the release of its first fast virtual prototype model based on new ARM® code translation simulation technology to fast-track software development. The first model in this family, the RealView® Real Time System Model for the ARM1176JZ(F)-S™ processor, executes a LINUX boot at more than 100MIPS on an average 3GHz PC under Windows, enabling software developers to perform high-speed simulations on models of the ARM leading processor architecture.   This fundamentally improves critical time-to-market by enabling concurrent development of systems software and the hardware implementation.  

The new ARM1176JZ(F)-S processor-based Real Time System Model   and supporting technology runs on standard PCs and enables booting of systems such as Linux, Symbian or WinCE in a few seconds. With support for target user interfaces such as LCD displays, keyboard and mouse, the technology is particularly suited to the development and verification of application code and OS porting.

The new RealView products will be offered as a plug-in option to the RealView Developer Suite. The standalone ARM1176JZ(F)-S processor-based system model announced today is the first element of the virtual prototype family, it consists of the core, interrupt controller, timers and user interface components. Other selected ARM11™ family and Cortex™ processor-based system models will follow.

“ARM’s expertise in Electronic System Level (ESL) design, coupled with its heritage in embedded processors and software development tools means that ARM is uniquely qualified to offer advanced system simulation technology based on ARM technology-validated models,” said Noel Hurley, CPU product marketing manager at ARM. “With the new technology initially applied to the ARM1176JZ(F)-S processor, we will be able to address the market demand for targeted high speed system simulation.”

In addition to adding fast models and simulation technology to its RealView product line, ARM is extending the capabilities of its processor-centric MaxCore® tools to enable flexible modeling of complete systems.  The new graphical design entry tool enables easy creation and configuration of system models, with CPUs as well as system components and peripherals being described in the powerful LISA+ language. Processor and system models from MaxCore tools can be directly imported into the SystemC-compliant MaxSim™ tool and combined with other models of the MaxLib™ library for detailed benchmarking and system analysis. The robust cycle-based interfaces, and cycle-based execution of MaxSim technology ensures best-in-class model interoperability and simulation speed for SystemC simulation. The MaxCore and MaxSim tools, together with the MaxLib model library are all part of the ARM RealView solution targeted at system architects. The RealView Developer Suite and fast system models are targeted at software developers.

“More and more ARM Partners are demanding system modeling well in advance of any hardware development. Therefore, fast and true-to-design simulation technology is critical to the reduction of semiconductor time-to-market,” said Vojin Zivojnovic, VP ESL Tools, ARM. “With more emphasis on simulation in the design cycle, it is critical that designers push for industry standards for modeling.  ARM will help achieve this goal through active public promotion of its fast, robust, cycle-based SystemC interfaces, and promotion of LISA+ technologies for core and systems modeling.”

Availability

TheRealView Real Time System Model for the ARM1176JZ(F)-Sprocessor will be available from the end of Q2 2005 through ARM’s usual distribution channels.

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.

ENDS

ARM, MaxCore and RealView are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. ARM11, ARM1176JZF-S, Cortex, MaxLib and MaxSim are trademarks of ARM Limited. “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.