14 DAY TRIAL // ARM, Samsung, IBM and semiconductor manufacturer Chartered have recently announced that they will begin developing a comprehensive 32nm and 28nm System-on-a-Chip design platform based on high-k metal-gate technology. According to the multi-year collaboration between the four major companies, ARM will develop and license a design platform of physical intellectual property (IP) that includes logic, memory and interface products for the Common Platform technology alliance of IBM, Chartered and Samsung, for distribution to their customers.
“Through this early engagement, we are creating the foundation for designing power-efficient ARM SoCs for customers of the Common Platform,” said ARM CEO Warren East. “By utilizing the strength of our advanced microprocessors, our leadership in Physical IP design and advanced technology supported by the Common Platform, customers can accelerate the release of products for electronic devices that service a broad range of consumer applications.”
In addition, ARM has also announced that it will try to develop customized physical IP targeted at achieving optimal power, performance, and area for its current and future Cortex processor family. These processors will leverage the unique attributes of the Common Platform HKMG 32nm/28nm technology, which utilizes new material science innovations to allow a significant power and performance advantage. The technology is targeted at a broad range of embedded segments, including mobile, portable and consumer electronics.
“This collaboration provides our mutual customers with leading design solutions that combine our HKMG breakthroughs in 32nm process technology and ARM’s optimized low-power, high-performance cores and libraries,” said Dr. Chang Sik Choi, executive vice president, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. “With high volume manufacturing in our Common Platform fabs, customers will benefit with time to volume advantages critical to success in the fast moving consumer electronics market.”
Partners of the Common Platform expect that their initiative will be embraced by other members in the near future.