ARM Acquires Obsidian Software Bringing Flexible Verification Solutions to Future ARM Processor Designs

CAMBRIDGE, UK , Jun. 17, 2011-- ARM today announced that it has acquired Obsidian Software, a market leader in verification and validation used in the design of increasingly complex processors. Obsidian Software is a privately-owned company, with offices in Austin, Texas.

As System on Chip (SoCs) and processors grow in complexity there is an increasing need to develop more sophisticated verification strategies. This acquisition augments ARM's drive in matching its verification strategies with the rate of change in its high performance, complex SoC IP components.

"ARM and Obsidian Software have had a long relationship which started with early work on Cortex™-A8" said Mike Inglis, GM and EVP, Processor Division, ARM. "The technology and people that will come with this acquisition are a significant addition to our capabilities in maximizing quality and reducing time to market of ARM-processor-based SoCs."

"Obsidian Software has a long history of building advanced verification tools for the ARM architecture and enabling ARM partners" said Eric Hennenhoefer, President of Obsidian Software. "The ARM ecosystem will be extended by the addition of Obsidian Software's verification solutions, which will accelerate the success of the ARM architecture in the marketplace."

The Obsidian Software validation team will become part of an ARM Processor validation team based in Austin, Texas.

About Obsidian Software

Obsidian Software, a privately held company, has been providing processor verification products, verification consulting and training services to processor designers since 1997. Obsidian's RAVEN software has been used by many of the world's leading semiconductor companies. Obsidian Software has been recognized as part of the INC500, Austin Heavy Hitters and Austin Fast 50.

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. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.