ARM Enables Cortex-M0 Processor IP Availability via ARM Designstart Portal

December 13, 2010 -- ARM today announced the availability of the ARM® Cortex™-M0 processor via the ARM DesignStart™ online IP portal.  The special configuration of the processor is designed for universities, start-ups and ad-hoc technology teams looking to teach or prototype with the popular ARM Cortex-M0 processor. Through this online access model ARM will accelerate the proliferation of ARM technology in university curriculums and research projects, while also providing a starting point to evaluate ARM Cortex-M0 processor design and implementation.  

The product is available for download as a pre-configured Verilog netlist to approved educational institutions and companies with no initial payment necessary, with an upgrade path to a full ARM Cortex-M0 processor license available when customer products ship at high volumes. Although this special version has limitations in power optimizations and feature configurations relative to the full ARM Cortex-M0 processor, it is fully software compatible and enables designers to create manufacturable designs.

As the processor is a fixed configuration of the standard ARM Cortex-M0, it enjoys the support of compiler tools, RTOS and fabric IP available from ARM and members of the ARM Connected Community™ ecosystem, including the Keil MDK-ARM development tools and RL-ARM RTOS and middleware libraries.

About the ARM Cortex-M0 Processor

The ARM Cortex-M0 processor is the smallest and lowest power 32-bit ARM processor available. The exceptional low power, small gate count and code footprint of the processor makes it ideal for ultra low power MCU and mixed signal applications, providing 32-bit performance and efficiency in an 8/16-bit footprint. ARM Cortex-M0 also offers a broad ecosystem, software development tools support and a future proof solution through upwards compatibility with the Cortex-M family.  As the entry-level ARM processor, it is ideal for designers, students and researchers who need low cost access to industry standard processor IP.

About ARM DesignStart Online Portal

The ARM DesignStart portal provides easy and comprehensive online access to a broad range of physical and processor IP from ARM. The portal contains design kits and evaluations of several of ARM processors including ARM Cortex-M0, and an extensive selection of ARM Artisan logic, memory and interface IP. The DesignStart IP provides a silicon proven path to accelerate ARM processor-based SoC designs.  Please see http://designstart.arm.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 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, video engines, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. Find out more about ARM by following these links:

• ARM website: http://www.arm.com/
• ARM Connected Community: http://www.arm.com/community/
• ARM Blogs: http://blogs.arm.com/