Cambridge, UK, 9 March, 1998 -- ARM today announced three additions to the popular ARM7 32-bit microprocessor core family, which provides design engineers with a reduced cost, low-power solution for portable, multimedia and embedded applications, such as PDAs, smart phones, digital set-top boxes and Internet appliances.

The ARM740T, ARM720T and ARM710T enhance the low-cost, low-power advantages of the ARM7TDMI microprocessor core by adding an 8kbyte cache, write buffer, as well as a memory management functions. Now, system designers can more easily implement complex systems that require the use of real-time or virtual memory operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows CE, pSOS from ISI and Psion Software's EPOC32.

The 8kbyte cache and write buffer minimizes external memory access and allows the use of low-cost commodity RAM without loss of performance. This enables the system bus and external memory to operate at lower speeds than the processor, which reduces power consumption. Alternatively, the free system bus bandwidth can be used for peripherals that generate high data throughput, such as MPEG decoders in a set-top box.

"All three new microprocessor cores are optimized with the Thumb instruction set, which gives engineers highly efficient code density," said Chris Jones, an ARM product manager. "This helps lower system costs by reducing overall memory size."

ARM740T for Embedded System Applications

The ARM740T combines an 8kbyte cache and write buffer with a memory protection unit, a combination of features that simplifies the development of embedded applications, such as set-top boxes and modems. Such systems use code developed specifically for an application and do not require the virtual memory management of a full MMU. The ARM740T cache includes a lock-down feature enabling the user to stop areas of cache from being overwritten. This makes the ARM740T ideal for real-time functions, such as interrupt handling routines and critical lookup tables.

ARM710T for PDA and Internet Applications

The ARM710T has a full MMU enabling the use of operating systems such as, pSOS and EPOC32. The virtual memory features provided by the MMU make it possible to safely use code downloaded from a network, such as the Internet, or from an independent developer.

This makes the ARM710T processor cores ideal for PDAs, smart phones or Internet TVs.

ARM720T for Windows CE

The ARM720T has all the functionality of the ARM710T plus specific support for the Windows CE operating system. The leading price, performance and power efficiency features of the ARM720T make this an ideal solution for emerging applications using Windows CE in PDAs, wallet PC, set-top boxes, smart phones and cars.

AMBA Enables Easy System Integration

All of the new cores utilize ARM's Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA) standard bus interface, which simplifies the design of ARM-based ASICs and provides access to ARM's library of standard peripherals. AMBA also simplifies the testing of deeply embedded ARM cores without additional test logic or test pattern modifications.

Availability

The ARM740T, ARM720T, and ARM710T are available now for licensing. They are process portable and are currently implemented on a 0.35-micron process technology.

All three cores have already been licensed by ARM partners. Prices are based on partner's specific system-level design implementations.

- ends -

About ARM

ARM is a leader in microprocessor Intellectual Property. ARM designs and licenses fast, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals and "system-chip" solutions for embedded control, consumer/educational multimedia, DSP and portable applications. ARM supports its processor offerings with development hardware and software and contract design services. ARM licenses its technology to leading semiconductor, software and OEM partners worldwide who focus on applications, design and manufacturing. Each partner offers unique ARM-related technologies and services which together satisfy a broad range of end-user needs. Through this partnering, ARM is rapidly becoming the global volume RISC standard. ARM has offices in Cambridge and Maidenhead, UK; Los Gatos, California; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington, USA; Munich, Germany; Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea. For more information, visit the ARM website at http://www.arm.com

ARM, Thumb, StrongARM and the ARM Powered logo are trademarks of Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. All other brands or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Copyright (c) Advanced RISC Machines Limited (ARM) 1998