ARM, a leading manufacturer of low-power computer processors, has introduced today a new processor, part of the company's Cortex lineup. Dubbed Cortex-M0, the new ARM processor is claimed to be the smallest, lowest-power and most energy-efficient processor developed by the chip maker. The new chip is said to be capable of delivering 32-bit performance at an 8-bit price point, while the processor's ultra-low gate count enables it to be used in analog and mixed signal devices, as well as MCU applications.

“The Cortex-M0 processor is yet another demonstration of ARM’s low power leadership and its commitment to drive the industry forward towards higher performance with ever lower power consumption,” said Mike Inglis, executive vice president and general manager, Processor Division, ARM. “With its expertise in low-power technology, ARM has worked closely with its Partners and their customers to ensure that our processor architectures enable the cost and energy-efficient creation of tomorrow’s electronic devices and systems.”

According to ARM, the new Cortex-M0 processor is capable of delivering performance, while retaining tool and binary compatibility with the company's feature-rich Cortex-M3 processor. It consumes as little as 85 microwatts/MHz (0.085 miliwatts) in an area of under 12K gates, when using the ARM 180ULL cell library. The new chip has been designed for use in a wide range of products, including medical devices, e-metering, lighting, smart control, gaming accessories, compact power supply, power and motor control, precision analog and IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) and Z-Wave systems.

Along with the introduction of the new processor, the company also announced that the ARM Cortex-M0 was available for licensing today, while some companies, including NXP Semiconductors and Triad Semiconductor, have been early to license ARM's new processor. For more info on the new processor and ARM's lineup of Cortex processors, be sure to check the company's website.