ARM Introduces SIMD Extensions for Multimedia Applications

Architectural Extensions Optimize Performance for Audio/Video Solutions

CAMBRIDGE, UK - Oct. 11, 2000 - ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, today announced its Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) extensions for the ARM® architecture. The new extensions increase processing capability of ARM Powered[tm] solutions in high-performance applications while offering the low power consumption required by portable, battery-powered devices. The ARM SIMD extensions are optimized for a broad range of software applications including video and audio coders, where the extensions increase performance by a factor of four.

The ARM SIMD extensions address the market's increased need for signal processing functionality across applications, particularly those associated with wireless communication and PDA platforms. Performance expectations of such devices are rising among consumers, and future product generations will incorporate demanding audio and video processing capabilities as standard features. As a result, developers will need to optimize processor performance within low-power systems. These new extensions leverage ARM's expertise in this field, maximizing the performance/power ratio while reducing overall system costs.

"High computing performance with low power consumption is extremely important considering the introduction of advanced user-interfaces, including video and audio functionality, in mobile and battery-powered form factors," said John Rayfield, director of Technical Marketing for ARM. "ARM is the industry's most widely-used embedded RISC microprocessor solution for these types of applications. With the introduction of our SIMD architectural extensions, we will enable our partners to develop sophisticated new products that support features never before seen in portable, low-power devices."

About ARM
ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC processor technology. The Company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals and system-on-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming the volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at www.arm.com.

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"GOPS" means Giga Operations per Second.

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