ARM Announces Power-Optimized Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A15 Hard Macro

May 29, 2013 -- ARM today announced the availability of a power-optimized dual-core hard macro implementation of the ARM® Cortex®-A15 processor. The ARM Cortex-A15 implementation provides exceptional power efficiency and is capable of delivering up to 10,000 DMIPS within a constrained mobile power envelope.

The ARM Cortex-A15 hard macro development is the result of the unique synergy arising from the combination of ARM Cortex processor IP, Artisan® physical IP, CoreLink™ systems IP and ARM’s integration capabilities, and utilizes TSMC’s 28nm HPM process. The complete low leakage implementation features integrated NEON™ SIMD technology and a virtual floating point engine, and includes a 1MB level 2 cache to deliver an extremely competitive balance of performance and power. It is ideal for a wide range of power-sensitive handheld devices such as mobile phones and tablets. This dual-core hard macro was implemented using ARM Artisan 9-track libraries and incorporates ARM POP™ Technology for the Cortex-A15 on TSMC’s 28nm HPM process.

WHY: The Cortex-A15 processor delivers up to twice the performance of smartphones based on the Cortex-A9 processor, bringing a level of performance once only seen in laptops into low-power SoC solutions. The dual-core hard macro accelerates time to market for semiconductor companies wanting to benefit from the most advanced processor technology available.

This Cortex-A15 implementation is an ideal solution for designers of big.LITTLE™ processing systems as it can be paired with a dual- or quad-core Cortex-A7 processor, simplifying the design process and enabling a faster time to market.

This hard macro is ideal for designers looking for a cost-effective, highly power-efficient Cortex-A15 dual-core solution for mobile applications, and also devices such as single board computers that are used across a wide array of end-markets. It is an important addition to the ARM hard macro portfolio and will enable a wider array of partners seeking to leverage the outstanding capabilities of the Cortex-A15 processor.

WHERE: Please contact your local ARM Sales office: http://www.arm.com/about/offices/index.php

For further details on the ARM Hard Macro Portfolio, please visit: http://www.arm.com/products/processors/hard-macro-processors.php or check out a demo of this solution at the ARM Booth (931) at DAC, 3rd-5th June in Austin, Texas.

WHO: 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 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.