Keil Enables Prototyping of Cortex-M Processor-Based Systems with the Microcontroller Prototyping System

Industry’s first prototyping system to incorporate Cortex-M0 and Cortex-M3 processors implemented in FPGA

CAMBRIDGE, UK – Mar. 30, 2009 – ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMH)] today announced at Embedded Systems Conference (ESC), San Jose, Calif.,   the Keil™ Microcontroller Prototyping System (MPS), enabling evaluation and prototyping of ARM® Cortex™-M class processors and user defined peripherals in a single product. The Keil MPS is the first prototyping system incorporating a full-speed Cortex-M0 or Cortex-M3 processor implemented in FPGA which can be integrated with third-party peripheral IP to deliver a prototyping system for hardware and software application development.

The MPS enables ARM Partners to implement a Cortex-M class system without having access to the processor RTL, meaning different processors can be benchmarked in order to choose the most suitable for the intended devices price/performance. Additionally, the MPS is delivered fully configured with the Cortex-M processor and is fully tested so that the user does not have to test the processor implementation and can immediately begin adding third-party IP or writing software.

“Previously ARM Partners could not implement a FPGA prototype without access to the processor RTL,” said Mark Onions, director of marketing, ARM System Design Division. “The Microcontroller Prototyping System provides a consistent platform for evaluating and developing devices based on the Cortex-M processors available today – including the industry’s smallest, lowest power Cortex-M0 processor - and those to be released in the future.”

Key benefits of the Keil MPS are:

• Cortex-M class processor running at up to 50MHz allows systems to run at close to the speed of the final microcontroller (MCU) device or system-on-chip (SoC).
• Integrated memory and peripherals interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, DVI, MMC/SD Card, and FlexRay/CAN enable the system to be configured with a wide range of peripherals which may be included on the final SoC.
• Large FPGA prototyping system based on an Altera Stratix III enables users to incorporate third-party peripherals and IP.
• Comprehensive Development Tools – the MPS includes the Altera Quartus II Web Edition to build and download the MCU or SoC hardware design to FPGA, Keil ULINK2 JTAG adapter and Keil MDK-ARM (evaluation version) to develop application software.

Availability
The ARM Microcontroller Prototyping System is available today, shipping with Cortex-M3 processor support. Cortex-M1 and Cortex-M0 processor support to follow.

More information on the Microcontroller Prototyping System is available.

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.