eSilicon Licenses ARM Technology Through ARM Foundry Program

CAMBRIDGE, England and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- ARM [(LSE: ARM; Nasdaq: ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, and eSilicon Corporation, a leading fabless custom chip company, today announced that eSilicon has signed a license for all cores within the ARM Foundry Program. ARM now offers the ARM7TDMI® core, the ARM922T(TM) core, the ARM946E(TM) core and the ARM1022E(TM) core through the Program.

eSilicon has also licensed the complete range of ARM® PrimeCell® peripherals and ETM macrocells, enabling accelerated development of ARM core-based system-on-chip (SoC) designs.

eSilicon will develop ARM core-based custom chips for semiconductor and systems companies across multiple market segments. ARM's embedded microprocessor cores will enable eSilicon to provide a streamlined business process that allows their customers to quickly and easily integrate 32-bit RISC processor performance into their designs.

"Licensing through the ARM Foundry Program is proof of eSilicon's commitment to partnering with the world's leading developer of semiconductor technology," said Hao Nham, vice president and general manager of design services at eSilicon. "Access to ARM microprocessor cores and the ARM PrimeCell peripherals enables us to support the development of high- performance, low-power SoC designs for use across a wide variety of embedded computing applications."

"The ARM Foundry Program is ideal for a highly focused semiconductor company like eSilicon that moves quickly to meet market demands and deliver innovative silicon solutions," said John Rayfield, vice president, US marketing, ARM. "Access to ARM's high-performance, low-power microprocessor cores, in conjunction with our suite of ARM PrimeCell peripherals and ETM macrocells, will enable eSilicon to develop competitive, cost-effective products and reduce time-to-market."

About the ARM Foundry Program

The ARM Foundry Program is an innovative business model that enables fabless semiconductor companies in emerging markets to gain access to ARM processor technology for use in the design and manufacture of advanced SoC solutions. There are currently 50 Partners in the Foundry Program, which was launched in 2000. ARM now offers the ARM7TDMI® core, the ARM922T(TM) core, the ARM946E(TM) core and the ARM1022E(TM) core through the Program.

The Foundry Program offers a flexible partnership model that accelerates the time-to-market for ARM core-based designs and enables OEMs, which do not have access to fabrication facilities, to work directly with an approved ARM semiconductor foundry. Unlike a traditional ARM license where a licensee gains both manufacturing and design rights, the ARM Foundry Program builds a three-way Partnership between ARM, an approved silicon foundry and an OEM.

About ARM PrimeCell Peripherals

ARM PrimeCell Peripherals are re-usable soft IP macrocells developed to enable the rapid assembly of SoC designs. Ready to use, fully verified and compliant with the AMBA® on-chip interconnect, the ARM PrimeCell product range is designed to provide right first-time functionality and high system performance.

By using the ARM PrimeCell peripheral range, designers save considerable development time and cost by concentrating their resources on developing the system design rather than the peripherals. ARM PrimeCell peripherals provide designers with a library of proven generic functionality that works reliably "Out Of The Box."

About ARM

ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals and system-on-chip (SoC) designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming a volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at www.arm.com .

About eSilicon

eSilicon Corporation is a full-service provider of custom chips to the world's leading electronics companies. Founded in 2000, the company's unique approach manages every step of the IC development process -- from specification through manufacturing and delivery of packaged and tested parts. eSilicon offers value-added design and manufacturing expertise, with an ebusiness infrastructure that provides significant visibility, predictability and time-to-market advantages. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. with offices in Allentown, Pa., and Murray Hill, N.J., eSilicon has approximately 70 employees. For more information about eSilicon, visit www.eSilicon.com .