ARM MPCore Multicore Processor Enables Next-Generation Triple-Play Gateway To The Home

Parallogic and ARM enable scalable fanless design in set-top boxes and home hubs offering Internet, video and phone

STERLING, VA AND CAMBRIDGE, UK – Oct. 23, 2006 – Parallogic, a leading developer of multi-core software focused on gigabit packet processing and security applications and a member of the ARM® Connected Community, and ARM [(LSE:ARM)]; (NASDAQ:ARMHY)] today announced their collaboration in “triple-play” home networking technologies. Combining the ARM11™ MPCore™ multicore processor with Parallogic’s industry-proven StriaEdge software, the enhanced solution enables speeds of more than 400 Mbps (megabits per second) in a home networking environment.  

The growth of triple-play home networks has been strong, with many large telecommunications companies launching service offerings in the last six months. These services transport massive amounts of data and require the capacity to cope with data packets of varying sizes quickly and efficiently. Enabling Multi-Channel HDTV streams and on-demand services has also placed increased processing strain on home networking specifications for devices such as such as Residential Gateway and set-top boxes. Built around Parallogic’s own parallel-processing TCP/IP stack, the new StriaEdge solution incorporates the ARM11 MPCore multicore processor for efficient power and data handling in next-generation home networking devices.

“The multiprocessing functionality of the MPCore multicore processor is tailor-made for the high data rates and power exertions associated with next-generation home networking,” said Safa Alkateb, president, Parallogic. “Delivering high performance within tight power and thermal constraints is a major issue when designing today’s triple-play set-top boxes due to the large data rates involved. Parallogic’s StriaEdge software enables the system designer to reach these goals by leveraging the performance of a multiprocessor architecture with the simplicity of a single processor programming model.”

The StriaEdge software is architected from the ground up to combine simplicity and performance in a multiprocessing environment. One of the processors within the MPCore multicore processor is allocated as a Control plane processor and runs the familiar Linux OS. The remaining processors then serve as Data Plane engines to process the packet stream. The scaleable nature of the MPCore multicore processor allows system designers to tune the number of processors used in order to provide just the right amount of performance to reach the optimal cost/performance point depending on system throughput needs. Furthermore, the use of multiple 64-bit AMBA® 3 AXI™ system bus interfaces produces a system easily capable of handling high-bandwidth traffic as well as accommodating tight Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

“As the consumer electronics and entertainment industries embrace digital content as a widespread distribution mechanism, the underlying communications infrastructure must rise to meet the delivery needs of this information,” said Dave Steer, director segment marketing, ARM. “Current home networking technologies are not capable of delivering multiple HDTV streams and VoIP calls effectively, requiring a significant leap in system performance and end-to-end QoS. By enabling designers to use up to four processors through asymmetric multiprocessing, ARM and Parallogic will enable OEMs to scale to meet these future demands.”

About Parallogic

Parallogic Corporation is a privately held company that specializes in developing multicore software and applications. Parallogic augments its PLATFORM APPLICATION software products with professional services, and technical support enabling wide adaptation of multicore technology. For more information visit www.parallogic.com

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from mobile, home and enterprise solutions to embedded and emerging applications. ARM’s comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, graphics 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.

About the ARM Connected Community

The ARM Connected Community is a global network of companies aligned to provide a complete solution, from design to manufacture and end use, for products based on the ARM architecture. ARM offers a variety of resources to Community members, including promotional programs and peer-networking opportunities that enable a variety of ARM Partners to come together to provide end-to-end customer solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.arm.com/community.