British chipset designer ARM holdings has released a new low power chip that produces similar grunt to its current smartphone chips, but uses just a third of the power and at a fraction of the size.
ARM claims its new Cortex-M0+ processor will be the world’s most energy-efficient microprocessor, and has been optimized to deliver ultra low-power, low-cost processing for ‘the internet of things’.
This basically means microchips for intelligent sensors and smart control systems in a broad range of applications, such as home appliances, white goods, medical monitoring, metering, lighting and power and motor control devices.
The 32-bit Cortex-M0+ processor, consumes just 9µA/MHz on a low-cost 90nm LP process, around one third of the energy of any 8- or 16-bit processor available today. ARM claims it will also deliver significantly higher performance than other chips.
"The Cortex-M0+ processor is yet another demonstration of ARM low power leadership and its commitment to drive the industry forward towards ever lower power consumption," said Mike Inglis, ARM EVP and GM of the Processor Divison.
"With our expertise in low-power technology, we have worked closely with our Partners on the definition of the new processor to ensure that it can enable the low-cost devices of today, while also unlocking the potential benefits delivered by the Internet of Things."
The ‘Internet of Things’ is the concept that eventually all non-traditional hardware, such as fridges and microwaves, will eventually be connected to the internet. Possible applications include wirelessly turning on the oven or using your smartphone to adjust the home heater.
NXP Semiconductors and Freescale have already licensed the design.
"The Internet of Things will change the world as we know it, improving energy efficiency, safety, and convenience," said Tom R. Halfhill, a senior analyst with The Linley Group.
"Ubiquitous network connectivity is useful for almost everything – from adaptive room lighting and online video gaming to smart sensors and motor control. But it requires extremely low-cost, low-power processors that still can deliver good performance. The ARM Cortex-M0+ processor brings 32-bit horsepower to flyweight chips, and it will be suitable for a broad range of industrial and consumer applications."
