NXP and ARM Extend Strategic Licensing Agreement for Microcontrollers

Eindhoven, Netherlands and Cambridge, UK, February 28, 2011 – NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Nasdaq: NXPI) and ARM today announced that they have expanded their strategic relationship with a long-term subscription licensing agreement around the ARM® Cortex™-M series processors for microcontrollers. Under the agreement, NXP will also be working with ARM in developing and expanding its future microcontroller roadmap in areas including performance and energy efficiency.

NXP has shipped over one billion ARM processor-based solutions to date, and has a comprehensive portfolio of more than 250 microcontrollers based on ARM processors. Currently, NXP is the only ARM Partner with microcontrollers on the market based on the Cortex-M0, Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processors. NXP is also the only major microcontroller vendor with a roadmap based exclusively on 32-bit ARM processors.

“With 100 million ARM processor-based microcontrollers shipped, NXP has reached a major milestone in our commitment to deliver the broadest range of choice available for customers migrating from 8/16-bit architectures to 32-bit ARM MCUs,” said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, microcontroller product line, NXP Semiconductors. “Looking ahead, this strategic licensing agreement gives us the ability to continue breaking new ground with ARM on the future of the 32-bit MCU landscape.”

"This long term agreement is a major demonstration of support for the ARM Cortex-M series processors by one of the market’s leading MCU vendors,” said Mike Inglis, EVP and general manager, Processors Division, ARM. “NXP has an impressive record of innovation in MCUs, demonstrating the collaborative differentiation which is inherently enabled by the ARM business model. We look forward to working closely with NXP as it introduces even more innovative designs and enhancements for the MCU market.”

NXP’s portfolio of Cortex-M0, Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 series processor-based microcontrollers offers a wide range of unique features, peripherals and memory options. The LPC1100 series, based on the energy-efficient Cortex-M0 processor, features the industry’s lowest active power and a tiny footprint starting at 5mm2. Other NXP microcontrollers based on the Cortex-M0 processor include the LPC11C00 series with integrated CAN transceivers, as well as the recently announced LPC1200 Industrial Control series. NXP also offers the industry’s fastest Cortex-M3 processor-based microcontrollers, such as the highly popular LPC1700 series supported by the mbed rapid prototyping tool, as well as the 150MHz LPC1800 series. For the Cortex-M4 processor, NXP offers the ground-breaking LPC4000 asymmetrical dual-core digital signal controller (DSC), which has won industry accolades including the 2010 Best Electronic Design Award from Electronic Design in the US; the China ACE Awards 2011 Digital Product of the Year from Global Sources; and the 2010 Product of the Year Award from Electronic Products China and 21IC.

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Nasdaq: NXPI) provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions that leverage its leading RF, Analog, Power Management, Interface, Security and Digital Processing expertise. These innovations are used in a wide range of automotive, identification, wireless infrastructure, lighting, industrial, mobile, consumer and computing applications. A global semiconductor company with operations in more than 25 countries, NXP posted revenue of $4.4 billion in 2010. For more information, visit www.nxp.com

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/