In a break from Advanced RISC Machines Ltd’s usual policy of licensing entire ARM chips to its semiconductor partners, it is simply licensing the 32-bit core to Texas Instruments Inc for use in real-time control applications for the automotive industry. Texas Instruments intends to incorporate the architecture into its Prism range of 8-bit and 16-bit customised microcontrollers (CI No 2,003) to create deeply embedded controllers for applications such as engine and chassis control. It also plans to combine the core with its own customisable signal processors to create highly integrated and differentiated signal processing systems for such applications as cellular products and hard disk drives. Ultimately, it wants to use ARM technology in the mobile computing arena. Texas Instruments said the decision to sign the non-exclusive agreement was based on several factors: first, the technology is available now; second, the ARM core operates at low voltages and offers the best MIPS per Watt in the industry – approximately 200 MIPS per Watt, compared with the AT&T Co Hobbit at 37 MIPS per Watt; third, it integrates easily into larger chip designs; fourth, it provides good price-performance – to buy chips in volume from Advanced RISC would cost less than $30 per unit; fourth, the chip is tiny – an ARM6L has a die size of 5.9mm square – and there is a strong need in the automotive industry to reduce the size and weight of components. Advanced RISC Machines is charging Texas Intruments a licensing fee for its technology and will charge a royalty per chip shipped. It will also undertake joint development work with a team of Texas engineers. The Cambridge-based group said the deal is the first step in broadening the customer base for ARM chips, and opening the technology up for use in niche consumer markets, where low power consumption and low cost are key. It also sees the pact accelerating the acceptance of the ARM architecture as the predominant processor for new emerging applications.
