ARM and University of Michigan Extend Research Collaboration to Explore the Limits of Energy Efficient Computing

September 5, 2011 -- ARM has renewed a research agreement with the University of Michigan under which ARM will fund and work in collaboration with university researchers on ultra-low energy and sustainable computing. The five-year, $5 million extension of the research partnership will run until 2015 and focus on these particularly topical areas of research.

This collaboration will significantly expand the scope of research activities which focus on new applications areas to develop enabling technology for ultra-low energy computing. These application areas include energy efficient cloud computing; wearable medical and lifestyle devices; energy efficient trusted computing; and ubiquitous sensor networks.

Technologies that the University of Michigan researchers are currently exploring include:

• Power aware computer architecture to help examine a wide range of techniques to reduce the energy consumption of computers
• Near- and sub-threshold computing, which is a circuit technique that reduces chip operating voltage and energy consumption by an order of magnitude
• Three-dimensional chip stacking technology, which enables the layering and interconnect of silicon to reduce form factor and power, as well as improve inter-die bandwidth
• Non-volatile memory systems that provide low power alternatives to current memory technologies
• Timing speculation to increase energy efficiency and improve manufacturing yield
• Many-core computers, which intelligently distribute processing between hundreds of cores using an interconnect fabric optimized for performance and efficiency

The University of Michigan researchers are led by Trevor Mudge, Bredt Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science . Over a decade ago, Mudge recognized that the future of computing was in miniature form factor microprocessors, and shifted his focus from the development of high-performance computers to the pursuit of new technologies for ultra-low energy computing. 

Why: Extending the limits of low-power computing is a goal shared by many businesses, including ARM. Five years ago, at the invitation of his former graduate student and current ARM Vice President of Research and Development, Krisztián Flautner, Mudge and several of his University of Michigan colleagues entered into the first 5-year, $5 million research partnership with ARM. One of the first outputs of this collaboration was an energy management system, enabling mobile phones to automatically optimize their battery usage.  Overall, the outcomes of the research partnership have been impressive with over 40 patents and numerous publications detailing this research. This success has lead to the extension of the partnership.

When: The extended partnership agreement runs until 2015.

Where: At the University of Michigan College of Engineering campus.

Who: About ARM

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 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/

About University of Michigan College of Engineering

The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At $180 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The college plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Find out more at http://www.engin.umich.edu/.

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