Open-Silicon licenses broad range of ARM technology to develop low-power networking, telecom, storage and computing SoCs

CAMBRIDGE, UK & MILPITAS, USA: ARM and Open-Silicon Inc. have signed a comprehensive multi-year licensing agreement for a broad portfolio of ARM technology. This includes ARM Cortex processors and associated ARM Processor Optimization Packs (POPs), ARM Mali Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and ARM system IP. The latter includes ARM CoreLink interconnect and CoreSight debug and trace technology.

The agreement enables Open Silicon to offer customers a ‘one-stop-shop’ where access to the latest ARM technology is complemented by the provision of SoC design, hardening, prototyping, software development and manufacturing services. Open-Silicon will use ARM technology to provide complete design and development services for low-power chip solutions focusing on the networking, telecommunications, storage and computing markets.

The combination of Open-Silicon’s SoC development capabilities and design experience with ARM technology will enable customers to benefit from a faster time to market and result in a more optimal solution. Open-Silicon’s architects can assist customers with architectural development using performance vs workload analysis, factoring in throughput and latency criteria to optimize peripheral IP selection. In addition, system security requirements for the protection of high-value data can be met through the careful application of ARM TrustZone technology. Finally, Open-Silicon’s FPGA-based prototyping environments help software teams to engage early, accelerating system development and reducing program risk.

To optimize silicon implementation, Open-Silicon can access ARM Processor Optimization Packs (POPs) for Cortex processors, allowing customers to achieve leading performance implementations in a matter of weeks. Open-Silicon will further enhance customers’ results with its patented CoreMAX technology. When combined with Open-Silicon’s low-power solutions, including PowerMAX and VariMAX back biasing, CoreMAX allows customers to achieve market-differentiating performance and power efficiency.

“Having access to this broad portfolio of ARM IP will allow our systems architects to model various architectures and develop the best solutions for each customer. Open-Silicon’s goal is to provide solutions that enable our customers to get to market quickly with the best technology available,” said Dr. Naveed Sherwani, president and CEO of Open-Silicon. “As the demand for low-power products continues to drive the marketplace we believe our customers will benefit significantly from the combination of our first class design services and the latest ARM technology.”

As an ARM Partner, Open-Silicon is also part of the ARM Connected Community, a global network of over 850 companies with access to a wide variety of resources and aligned to provide optimized solutions based on the ARM architecture.

“The strength of the ARM Partner ecosystem is based on rapid innovation, diversity and complimentary services. Open-Silicon’s experience in delivering ARM processor-based SoC solutions provides customers with a valuable service,” commented Lance Howarth, executive VP of Marketing, ARM. “We are excited to work alongside Open-Silicon as they focus on a complete design service. The agreement paves the way for increased adoption of ARM architecture across a wide range of end markets, such as the use of Cortex-A5 processor in home gateway solutions.”