ARM Extends Software Interface Standard with DSP Library

Standardized DSP Library provides highly optimized signal processing functions for Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processor-based systems

CAMBRIDGE, UK – Dec. 13, 2010 – ARM today announced the availability of Version 2.0 of the ARM® Cortex™ Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS). The enhanced version of the vendor-independent hardware abstraction layer contains extensions for the Cortex-M4 processor and includes the CMSIS-DSP (Digital Signal Processing) library of highly optimized signal processing algorithms.

The CMSIS-DSP library includes vector operations, matrix computing, complex arithmetic, filter functions, control functions, PID controller, Fourier transforms and many other frequently used DSP algorithms.  Most algorithms are available in floating-point and various fixed-point formats and are optimized for the Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processors.  The Cortex-M4 implementation uses the ARM DSP SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) instruction set and floating-point hardware to fully enable the capabilities of the Cortex-M4 processor for signal processing algorithms.  The optimized CMSIS-DSP library is written entirely in C and is delivered with source code enabling software programmers to adapt algorithms for specific application requirements.  

“The CMSIS-DSP library extends the application range of Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processor-based microcontrollers into high-performance, low power signal processing,” said Reinhard Keil, Director of MCU Tools, ARM. “The Cortex-M4 version of the library uses  instruction set extensions to boost execution speed by a factor of two for fixed-point and a factor of ten for floating-point DSP algorithms. The standardization of the optimized CMSIS-DSP library reduces software development costs and provides the ARM ecosystem with a foundation for filter design utilities and other high-level DSP development tools.”

Availability

CMSIS 2.0, including the CMSIS-DSP Library is available from www.onARM.com, a website providing a comprehensive resource for embedded developers.

About CMSIS

The ARM Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) is a vendor-independent hardware abstraction layer for the Cortex-M processor series.  CMSIS enables consistent and simple software interfaces for peripherals and real-time operating systems, simplifying software re-use, reducing the learning curve for new microcontroller developers and reducing the time to market for new devices.About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies 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, 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.

ENDS

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Cortex is a trademark of ARM Limited. “ARM” is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries: ARM, Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan Limited; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; ARM Germany GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Norway, AS.

Partner quotes:

Code Red

“We welcome this further standardization initiative in the ARM-based MCU market”, said John Rayfield, CEO of Code Red Technologies. “Version 2 of the CMSIS standard with its associated DSP library will greatly ease the process of creating application software across a range of Cortex-M processors, and we will fully support this standard in our RedSuite tools.”  

Code Sourcery

“This new version of CMSIS provides users with a good way to take advantage of the powerful signal processing capabilities of the latest ARM Cortex-M cores,” said Mark Mitchell, Chief Sourcerer, CodeSourcery (now part of Mentor Graphics Embedded Software Division). “In partnership with ARM, we implemented support for Cortex-M in preparation for launch of the first Cortex-M3 CPUs.  We're proud that so many developers use Sourcery G++ to develop for Cortex-M cores and we believe that Sourcery G++ with CMSIS is an effective way to build great applications for these cores.”

Freescale Semiconductor “The Kinetis family of 90 nanometer (nm) 32-bit MCUs based on the Cortex-M4 processor represents one of the most scalable portfolios of low power, mixed signal MCUs in the industry”, said Jeff Bock, director of product marketing for Freescale Semiconductor’s Industrial and Multi-market segment. “The CMSIS standard is a key part of the software ecosystem enabling quick adoption of these high performance devices”                                                   

IAR “The CMSIS DSP Library is a key part of the ARM  ecosystem, helping engineers get Cortex-M4 processor-based products to market faster,” said Mike Skrtic, ARM Strategic Account Manager, IAR Systems.  “IAR Systems has a tradition of enthusiastically supporting ARM standards initiatives and will continue to do so in the future.”   

NXP

"Signal processing is becoming increasingly important for next generation microcontroller applications,” said Geoff Lees, Vice President and General Manager, Microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors “The CMSIS-DSP Library is a key piece of software that will ease software development for our customers as we roll-out Cortex-M4 processor-based digital controllers"

Texas Instruments

“ARM’s CMSIS library nicely complements TI’s StellarisWare® software and IQmath library to enable developers to quickly and easily reap fixed- and floating-point benefits,” said Jean Anne Booth, director of WW Stellaris® marketing, Texas Instruments Incorporated.  “The new CMSIS extensions provide a good starting point for developers working to integrate basic signal processing into their applications.”