ARM Announces Static Memory Controllers To Provide Flexible, Comprehensive Memory Interface

New configurable PrimeCell products empower designers with the performance and flexibility to fully optimize their designs

CAMBRIDGE, UK – March 6th, 2006 – ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)] today announced a new range of PrimeCell® AMBA® 3 AXI™ static memory controllers to support  a comprehensive array of new and emerging memory devices including NAND Flash, NOR Flash, SRAM and the high-performance Pseudo SRAM (CellularRAM™) devices.

The PrimeCell AXI Static Memory Controllers provide system designers with a single IP solution for systems using CellularRAM and Flash memory. Combined with the existing PrimeCell AXI Dynamic Memory Controller supporting DDR and Mobile-DDR, and with DDR2 support under development, ARM is now able to provide a complete, high-performance memory controller solution for a wide range of applications.

The PrimeCell AXI Static Memory Controller is configurable, removing the need to compromise the system characteristics whilst retaining the low cost of ownership and low risk of pre-verified PrimeCells. To complement the product, a high performance simulation model is also available. This model enables designers to analyze their system’s performance with AMBA Designer and obtain the information required to select an optimal configuration.

“The extensive range of supported memory types, combined with ARM’s AMBA AXI expertise and ability to deliver configurable IP, makes the PrimeCell AXI Static Memory Controller the perfect fit for the TTPCom CBEmacro dual mode modem design,” said David McTernan, Product Marketing Director at TTPCom. “CBEmacro enables extremely compact and performance optimized EDGE/WCDMA or EDGE/HSDPA baseband silicon. System integration of a modem with a multimedia applications processor is eased by the use of the latest AMBA 3 AXI™ high-performance system components to effectively share the memory interface between modem and application functionality.”

In addition to the new AMBA 3 AXI memory controllers, ARM’s support for new and emerging memory devices is also extended to AMBA 2 AHB system designers through the release of a new series of AHB memory controller products, pre-configured to support a range of typical product requirements.

“By working with the number one provider of CellularRAM memory, ARM combines Micron’s expertise in memory design and technology with their system knowledge and configurable PrimeCells to ensure efficient and effective memory controllers,” said Rene Hartner, Micron Technology’s Director of Mobile DRAM Marketing. “The availability of ARM’s PrimeCell Static Memory Controllers enables chip designers to fully exploit the benefits of Micron’s low power CellularRAM product family.”

“Integrating third party IP such as ARM’s configurable PrimeCell memory controllers into our ASIC offerings allows us to provide our customers with a broad choice of IP solutions to meet their design requirements,” said John Jansen, Director of Platform Design, Agere Systems.

“The configurability of the PrimeCell AXI Static Memory Controllers, in conjunction with the powerful AMBA Designer system design tool, allows engineers to select the optimal performance and size for each design,” said Jonathan Morris, Fabric IP Business Unit Manager, ARM. “These new products enable accelerated time-to-market, and provide SoC designers with a flexible and efficient external memory interface for their products.”

The AMBA 3 AXI Static Memory Controllers extends the Fabric IP that unleashes the performance of ARM processors such as MPCore, ARM1176 and Cortex-A8. The system architecture of the SoC can be explored and optimized using AMBA Designer and SoC Designer.

Availability

The ARM PrimeCell AXI Static Memory Controller series is available for license today.  The ARM PrimeCell AHB Memory Controller series is also available for immediate licensing.

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from mobile, home and enterprise solutions to embedded and emerging applications. 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.

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