IBM has licensed five Cortex processor designs for ARM Holdings to be used in the production of new networking and communications systems.
Following the move, IBM’s custom-chip clients will use the new microprocessors to develop network routers, switches and the cellular base stations to offer better wired and wireless communications across the globe.
The company has provided licenses for the ARM Cortex-A15, Cortex-A12, Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 processors, as well as the ARM Mali-450 Graphic Processing Unit (GPU).
IBM Microelectronics VP Steve Ray said, "With the addition of the ARM’s advanced 32-bit microprocessors and peripherals to our Power-based offerings, our clients will now have the broadest array of leading silicon technology and design services available – giving them the ability to create the next generation of communications hardware."
ARM Processor Division executive vice president and general manager Tom Cronk said the agreement will result in a portfolio of custom ARM-based systems being deployed by networking infrastructure companies worldwide.
"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," Cronk said,
The processors will be embedded in to design tools, real-time embedded and advanced application processing systems by the company’s custom-chip clients.
