Dialog Semiconductor Pioneers Integration of ARM Processor in Power Management ICs for Next Generation Smartphones

World’s first integration of 32-bit ARM processor in a mixed signal PMIC adds intelligence to power control in quadcore handsets and beyond

Kirchheim/Teck, Germany, 6 March 2012 – Dialog Semiconductor plc, a provider of highly integrated innovative power management, audio and short range wireless technologies, today announced that it has licensed the ARM® Cortex™-M0 processor for use in future generations of its power management ICs (PMICs).

This is the first time a standard 32-bit processor has been integrated into a mixed signal PMIC. The combination delivers superior digital processing capabilities, enabling Dialog system-level PMICs to provide extensive power control and precision battery management functions for portable devices. These PMICs are aimed at high-end multicore application processor-based platforms and deliver industry leading performance and efficiency, significantly increasing battery life.

Jalal Bagherli, CEO at Dialog said: “By embedding an efficient 32-bit processor core into a PMIC we push the boundaries of system power design and bring sophisticated digital control to the world of smartphone design.”

Tudor Brown, President of ARM said: “Through partnering with Dialog we have opened a brand new application area for ARM processors in a smartphone or tablet design. Dialog is at the forefront of highly integrated power management systems. I am convinced that the availability of sophisticated ARM processor-based PMICs will make a real impact on the user experience delivered by next generation devices.”

Dialog PMICs enable manufacturers to quickly and easily bring power-optimised smartphones and tablets to market. The highly integrated and configurable single chip devices deliver extended battery life, a reduced bill of materials and increased system reliability.

The ARM Cortex-M0 processor is the smallest and lowest power ARM core available. Its exceptionally low power, small silicon area and memory footprint make it ideal for ultra low power MCU and mixed-signal applications.