IBM Licenses ARM For Networking Chips

ARM secures new processor licensing agreements with IBM and Chinese semiconductor provider Spreadtrum to continue its worldwide growth in network and communications markets.

IBM Licenses ARM

IBM announced that it has licensed a broad range of ARM Cortex processors from ARM Holdings. IBM plans to offer the new microprocessors to its custom-chip clients; leading companies that build network routers, switches and the cellular base stations that enable pervasive wired and wireless communications across the globe. IBM will add the ARM Cortex-A15, Cortex-A12, Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 processors, as well as the ARM Mali-450 Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) to a rich IBM ecosystem of design tools and IP that simplify and extend the power of real-time embedded and advanced application processing for the company's custom-chip clients.

“IBM’s manufacturing leadership and expertise in semiconductor innovation means that this agreement will result in a highly competitive portfolio of custom ARM-based solutions being deployed by leading networking infrastructure companies worldwide,” said Tom Cronk, executive vice president and general manager, Processor Division, ARM, "Building on their longstanding engagement on ARM Artisan Physical IP, IBM’s extensive commitment to ARM Cortex CPU and ARM Mali GPU technology reflects the increasing demand for optimized-for-function, energy efficient platforms.”

Spreadtrum selects ARM

ARM and Chinese fabless semiconductor Spreadtrum announced a sweeping license agreement providing Spreadtrum with the full range of ARM Artisan physical IP, including POP IP, for the broad range of IC foundry and process varieties of 28nm that ARM supports to deliver the most flexible manufacturing options. The license agreement gives Spreadtrum access to ARM Artisan standard cells, next-generation memory compilers and POP IP for ARM Cortex processors and Mali GPUs. ARM Artisan physical IP and POP IP will help provide the foundation to accelerate Spreadtrum’s development of their low-power mobile phone SoCs.

“Spreadtrum’s strong growth in the mobile phone market over the past several years is testament to the high performance and low power of its SoC products,” said Dr. Dipesh Patel, executive vice president and general manager, Physical IP Division, ARM. “ARM is excited about this opportunity to enable Spreadtrum’s next-generation of products with market-leading performance and provide a variety of flexible foundry options to bring them to market in the shortest time possible.”