Energy Micro Licenses Cortex-M3 Processor

Oslo-based start-up will develop very low energy consumption solution using industry-leading ARM technology

CAMBRIDGE, UK, AND OSLO, NORWAY – April 14, 2008 –ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)] and Energy Micro, an Oslo based semiconductor start-up, today announced that they have signed a licensing agreement for the ARM® Cortex™-M3 processor. Following the general trend in the market to move from 8- and 16-bit architectures to 32-bit, Energy Micro will introduce its first ultra low-power 32-bit microcontroller family, based on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor, in the second quarter of 2009.
 
Energy Micro’s main objective is to produce the world’s most energy-friendly microcontrollers. The EnergetIC™ microcontroller family from Energy Micro will have energy consumption at a level that is far below today’s solutions, thus enabling significant improvements in battery life, longer lifetime of electronic products and reduced disposals. The combination of an extremely efficient active processing mode, a wide range of power saving modes and a flexible set of system peripherals will provide true value to its users.

“With our focus on low energy consumption, integration, system performance and low cost, the ARM Cortex-M3 processor is the right choice for us,” said Geir Førre, CEO of Energy Micro. “The strong ecosystem of available tools, software and knowledge within the ARM Connected Community® is also very important for us and our customers”.

“Striving for low energy consumption has never been more important and Energy Micro has chosen the ARM Cortex-M3 processor in its mission to make the world’s most energy-friendly microcontrollers,” said Graham Budd, executive vice president and general manager, Processor Division, ARM. “The 32-bit microcontroller marketplace is rapidly consolidating around the Cortex-M3 to provide a fast and reliable path to market, which partners such as Energy Micro are aggressively leveraging to displace legacy devices.”    

Energy Micro also licensed various physical IP from the ARM Artisan® physical IP family, plus a number of ARM PrimeCell® peripheral IP blocks.

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, graphics processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity products. 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.

About Energy Micro
Energy Micro develops markets and sells the world's most energy friendly microcontrollers, based on modern and powerful microprocessor architectures. The company focuses on innovative technology, and works closely with leading partners and customers worldwide. The company was founded in 2007 by experienced semiconductor professionals with previous expertise from successful semiconductor companies. For more information please contact: Geir Førre, President & CEO at phone no +47 91 59 75 80 or e-mail: g.forre@energymicro.com. More information on Energy Micro is available at www.energymicro.com