Handshake Solutions releases clockless interconnect IP

New clockless multilayer AHB further extends benefits of clockless design to system level

Eindhoven, the Netherlands -- April 17, 2007 -- Handshake Solutions, a line of business within Royal Philips Electronics, today announced the release of a clockless multilayer AMBA Advanced High-performance Bus (AHB). This scan-testable interconnect IP allows designers to exploit the benefits of clockless design, such as low power consumption and low Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), across a complete sub-system. Compatible with clocked and clockless masters and slaves, the multilayer AHB simplifies timing closure while retaining flexibility of design.

The new interconnect is a clockless implementation of the well-known multilayer ARM® AMBA™ AHB – an interconnect scheme that enables parallel access paths between multiple masters and slaves. It is a natural partner for clockless peripherals such as memories and clockless processors like the ARM996HS™, eliminating the need for idle cycles and wait states and reducing system latency.

This interconnect IP can also be used with synchronous slaves and masters, automatically adapting its speed to the master and slave involved in each transfer for optimal performance. It draws zero active power when no data is being transferred yet wakes-up immediately when a transfer is required. Furthermore, Handshake Solutions’ implementation ensures the interconnect is fully scan testable.

“Handshake Solutions is the only company that can offer complete system knowledge, tooling and IP for clockless design,” said Ad Peeters, CTO of Handshake Solutions. “Drawing on our experience with the ARM996HS and the SFR bus and peripherals for our HT80C51 core, IP for a clockless multilayer AHB was the next logical step. We will continue to help customers benefit from clockless technology with further developments in processors, interconnects and peripherals.”

“ARM has always been the low-power leader in embedded microprocessors and the ARM996HS core extended this to ultra-low power and EMI through use of clockless technology,” said John Cornish, VP of Marketing, Processors, ARM. “The release of dedicated IP for a clockless multilayer AHB by Handshake Solutions will help further reduce overall power and EMI requirements for embedded systems.”

The clockless multilayer AHB is aimed at medium performance applications. It is particularly well-suited to event- or interrupt-driven applications where its instant response and zero standby power consumption are particularly useful.

Availability

The new clockless interconnect IP is available for licensing now. Handshake Solutions is also making the interconnect specification available to the industry.

For more details on Handshake Solutions and its IP, TiDE design environment and Handshake Technology, please go to www.handshakesolutions.com.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 124,300 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.