ARM Offers Advantage Physical IP Support For IBM, Chartered And Samsung Common Platform On 65-Nanometer Generic Process

CAMBRIDGE, UK– February 27, 2006 - ARM  today announced it is collaborating with IBM, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to offer the ARM® Advantage™ products, part of its Artisan® family of physical IP, on the 65-nanometer (nm) generic process for the Common Platform. The agreement furthers the companies’ commitment to enable multi-sourcing strategies and enhanced design portability for customers of the three manufacturing leaders. It extends the design enablement support from ARM offered for the Common Platform, building on the initial availability of physical IP for the 90nm process with IBM and Chartered. The low-power ARM Metro™ products, part of its Artisan family of physical IP, for IBM, Chartered and Samsung at the 65nm low-power process was announced last year.

“The Common Platform model has proven to be an attractive choice for many customers who want not only leading-edge manufacturing capacity, but also a low-risk, flexible approach to managing their sourcing strategies. Adding this IP support from ARM makes the common 65nm process that much more accessible across all three companies, and provides a broader range of options for our mutual customers,” said Steve Longoria, vice president, Semiconductor Technology Platform for IBM Systems & Technology Group.

ARM Advantage IP provides high-speed, low-power performance to meet a wide range of applications in consumer, communications and networking markets. The Advantage and AdvantageHS standard cells include power management kits that are characterized for multiple transistor threshold voltages.  Five Advantage memory compilers are offered with advanced power saving features.  The I/O products include multiple configurations supporting 1.8, 2.5 and 3.3 volt systems. The suite of products is characterized for timing and power over an extended range of voltages, enabling designers to perform accurate pre-tapeout simulation of multi-voltage designs.

The Advantage IP includes ARM’s extensive set of views and models providing integration with many of the industry’s leading electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Additionally, the IP incorporates the combined expertise of ARM, IBM, Chartered and Samsung in addressing the complexities of design for manufacturability of advanced 65nm technology.  Complete set of ARM physical IP products are expected to be available second quarter of 2006 for download from ARM’s website, free of charge, to customers in the 65nm process.

 “The Common Platform is addressing designers’ requirements for faster transitions to 65nm, but with the flexibility and risk reduction of an optimized manufacturing process that is supported by multiple foundries simultaneously,” said Kevin Meyer, vice president of worldwide marketing and platform alliances at Chartered. “Extending the ARM Advantage products to the IP portfolio that supports our joint 65nm processes helps position the Common Platform as a very compelling choice for early adopters as they design their next-generation, cutting-edge products.”

 “Today’s system-on-chip (SoC) design or IP-based ASIC design requires access to a selection of highly qualified IP that is silicon-proven and easy to integrate,” said Dr. Ben Suh, vice president of ASIC/Foundry Business Development, System LSI division, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is pleased to provide proven ARM Advantage physical IP supported by the Common Platform at 65nm that will give customers chip design-to-manufacturing solutions that meet their business objectives.”

“The addition of the ARM Advantage products in the 65nm generic process significantly expands the choices customers have for their 65nm design,” said Neal Carney, vice president of Marketing, Physical IP, ARM. “SoC designers across the industry will have access to a suite of comprehensive IP and process technologies that address low-power and performance requirements that will differentiate their end products.”

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.