Unique Business Model Extends ARM7 Family Processor to the Mainstream FPGA
Designer
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, England, March 7
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Representing the first time an ARM(R) processor has
been licensed to a programmable logic vendor for implementation as a "soft" IP
core, Actel Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) and ARM (Nasdaq: ARMHY; LSE: ARM) today
announced at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC), San Francisco, that the
two companies have collaborated to provide a 32-bit ARM7(TM) Thumb(R) family
microprocessor to Actel's broad FPGA customer base.
With the establishment of this partnership, Actel will take the unique
step of delivering to developers a soft ARM7 family implementation for use in
several of Actel's FPGA families. Targeting the fastest growing market for
design-ins, this move will create the first soft core FPGA version of the ARM7
family microprocessor that can be leveraged across applications ranging from
high-volume consumer applications to high-performance, high-reliability
products. As a consequence, programmable logic users will be able to access
ASIC-like design flexibility, with broad third-party support and trusted IP,
as well as the added programmability and security benefits of Actel FPGAs.
"For the first time, ARM can provide FPGA designers the flexibility of a
soft IP core thanks to the built-in security of Actel's flash- and
antifuse-based FPGAs," said Mike Inglis, executive vice president, marketing,
ARM. "With this unique collaboration, the ARM7 family can now be designed
into FPGA-based consumer products; FPGA development platforms for ASICs and
prototyping; and especially for applications where low volumes have previously
precluded the use of ARM processors."
"For nearly two decades, we have been saying that in the long run
customers always get what they want, and this agreement is a perfect example,"
said John East, president and CEO of Actel. "ARM is the leading provider of
32-bit embedded processor technology, and FPGA users have, for a long time,
asked for access to this industry-standard architecture in a soft-IP format.
Through this historic partnership with ARM, we will extend the reach of the
ARM architecture to include markets that could not previously afford
individual access. We are bringing an FPGA-optimized ARM7 family core to the
masses."
As part of the agreement, Actel will develop a family of ARM
technology-enabled FPGA products. The initial devices will be introduced in
2005. The soft core ARM7 family processor will be delivered to customers
using the unique security features available only in Actel FPGA devices.
Developers will be able to take advantage of the end-to-end integrated
solution provided by the Actel Libero and ARM RealView(R) tools, enabling them
to rapidly develop products, which maximize functionality and achieve optimal
design performance.
About Actel
Actel Corporation is a supplier of innovative programmable logic
solutions, including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) based on antifuse
and flash technologies, high-performance intellectual property (IP) cores,
software development tools and design services, targeted for the high-speed
communications, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) replacement and
radiation-tolerant markets. Founded in 1985, Actel employs more than
500 people worldwide. The Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at 2061 Stierlin Court, Mountain
View, CA, 94043-4655. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL (992-2835). Internet:
http://www.actel.com .
About ARM
ARM designs the technology that lies 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 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D
processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and
development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity
products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they provide a
total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading
electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at
http://www.arm.com .
NOTE: The Actel name and logo are trademarks of Actel Corporation. ARM,
Thumb and RealView are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. ARM7 is a
trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property
of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its
operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK;
ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co.
Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; AXYS GmbH; ARM Embedded
Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Physical IP, Inc.
SOURCE Actel Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.actel.com
CONTACT:
Clive Jones of Actel Corporation,
+1-650-318-4523, or clive.jones@actel.com; or Starlayne Meza of
Porter Novelli, +1-408-369-4600, ext. 629, or
starlayne.meza@porternovelli.com, for Actel Corporation; or
Michelle Spencer of ARM, +1 44 1628 427780, or
michelle.spencer@arm.com; or Lauren Sarno of Text 100,
+1-415-593-8425, or lsarno@text100.com, for ARM
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