Delivering High-Performance, Multicore Applications and Efficient Software: ARM Launches Next Generation System Solution for Debug and Trace

ARM® CoreSight™ SoC-400 provides highly configurable debug and trace for complex System on a Chip (SoC) designs to improve visibility, productivity and time to market

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom--May 03, 2011--ARM today announced the launch of the ARM CoreSight SoC-400, a highly configurable debug and trace solution for complex SoC designs. As multicore products become increasingly common-place, ARM CoreSight SoC-400 provides a system solution to deliver high performance in applications that include mobile phones, tablets, home, wireless infrastructure, networking and gaming. To achieve optimal performance, software developers demand increased visibility within SoC designs. The launch of CoreSight SoC-400 addresses this requirement by providing a powerful, modular debug and trace infrastructure, and tool chain. CoreSight SoC-400 also delivers greater productivity for SoC designers and reduced time to market for new products.

“The demand for complex applications development on multicore SoCs, such as TI’s OMAP™4 platform, continues to increase. ARM's CoreSight can provide advanced debug and trace solutions to aid developers on these platforms," said Stephen Lau, product manager, debug technology, wireless business unit, TI.

CoreSight SoC-400 is based on the ARM CoreSight debug and trace architecture already in use by major silicon suppliers for hardware and software design and optimization. The flexible, modular architecture supports ARM and other industry IP, and is well known in the industry as an established standard with comprehensive tools support.

The introduction of CoreSight SoC-400 extends the CoreSight architecture from existing debug and trace design kits for specific IP, such as ARM Cortex-A9 and ARM Cortex-R4 processors, into a system level solution that provides configurable components and buses which are modular and completely scalable. CoreSight SoC-400 also reduces the time required to deploy debug and trace infrastructure by incorporating the CoreLink™ AMBA Designer tool and packaging IP to deploy more easily. This improves productivity for hardware developers and reduces time to market for new products.

“Until recently debug and trace solutions have been an afterthought in the SoC design process, as basic functionality was acceptable in less demanding applications,” said Mike Dimelow, Marketing Director, Processor Division, ARM. “However, as multicore applications are more common-place, debug and trace solutions become critical to SoC designers and software developers. CoreSight SoC-400 is already providing improved productivity for all parties involved in the design process.”

About CoreSight SoC-400

CoreSight SoC-400 is a comprehensive set of configurable debug & trace components complete with the design tools needed to automate IP stitching and testing. Features of the new solution include complete automated system stitching and test benches and enhanced AMBA® AXI™ Access Port (AXI-AP) functionality, supporting 64 bit address space across the AXI bus. Local and global time stamping is also possible. All components of the CoreSight SoC-400 are supplied with IPXACT descriptors for use with AMBA Designer. For further details on the new features and capabilities of the ARM CoreSight SoC-400 go to http://www.arm.com/products/system-ip/coresight-soc.php

Availability

The ARM CoreSight SoC-400 is licensing to lead partners now, and software support is available in ARM DS-5 tools this month. Initially the ARM CoreSight SoC-400 is available for the ARM Cortex-A15, and then later in 2011 for the entire ARM Cortex processor family.

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 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:

• ARM website: http://www.arm.com/
• ARM Connected Community: http://www.arm.com/community/
• ARM Blogs: http://blogs.arm.com/