ARM Brings Best-in-class Audio Solutions To Portable Consumer Devices

OptimoDE data processing technology enables ultra power efficient, multi-standard digital audio codec support for devices such as MP3 players

CAMBRIDGE, UK – May 16 2005 – ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)] announced today at the Spring Processor Forum in San Jose, Calif., the ARM® OptimoDE™ Audio Edition embedded data processing technology optimized for the efficient implementation of digital audio in embedded devices.

The new configuration of the ARM OptimoDE data engine technology has been specifically developed to improve the efficiency of digital audio recording and playback in products such as hard disk and flash memory-based portable media players and mobile phones, enabling consumers to enjoy their music content for up to 40 percent longer from a given battery charge.

“Consumers are demanding an ever more advanced, portable entertainment experience from devices that must be compact, lightweight and capable of delivering extreme power efficiency,” said Steve Steele, director of Data Engines business development, ARM. “The OptimoDE Audio Edition enables ARM Partners to develop innovative ARM Powered® consumer products that meet these demands and enhance the user experience.”

At the heart of the OptimoDE Audio Edition is the AudioDE™ data processing engine which is compatible with all leading software codecs for multimedia applications such as MP3, WMA, AAC, and AC3. The AudioDE microarchitecture is finely tuned to the digital audio domain, resulting in highly efficient processing and very low power. For example, for 320Kbits/s stereo MP3 decode the core requires just 0.8mW (Artisan TSMC CL013GSFG, Operating voltage=1.2V)

ESPICO, an industry leading supplier of audio codecs, is the lead software Partner for the ARM OptimoDE Audio Edition technology. ESPICO will develop and market a variety of standards-based audio software codecs that will be optimized to run on ARM OptimoDE embedded signal-processing data engines. Together, ESPICO and ARM will offer complete solutions for OEMs developing embedded systems for portable audio devices, satisfying their requirements for long battery life and the ability to play music files in multiple audio formats.

“AudioDE technology represents a step change in the silicon and power efficiency available from a software implementation,” said Cliff Parris, CEO, ESPICO. “The agreement between ESPICO and ARM enables both companies to focus on our core competencies and stay at the leading edge of our areas of expertise. In this way, we bring a more complete, technically superior offering to our customers, in the fastest possible time.”

The new ARM AudioDE data engine is provided with a reference sub-system design for simple SoC integration as a data-driven peripheral. This configuration enables the AudioDE data engine to be completely shut down in devices where music playback is a secondary function (e.g. cellphones with a built-in music player) thereby saving power and enabling memory resources to be redeployed.

About OptimoDE Data Engines

ARM OptimoDE data engine technology is licensable intellectual property with an associated tool environment. OptimoDE technology is a configurable VLIW-styled architecture targeted at high-performance embedded signal processing applications. The tool environment enables the designer to configure and extend the type and number of data path resource units. The size and topology of local storage and the level of interconnect are also fully configurable. OptimoDE data engines are programmed in either C or C++ and are provided with a sophisticated C compiler and profiling analysis tools.

Both the OptimoDE Audio Edition and the OptimoDE Standard Edition are available now for licensing from ARM.

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.

ENDS

ARM and ARM Powered are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. OptimoDE and AudioDE are trademarks 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.