IBM Expands ASIC, Foundry Options With Arm Core

EAST FISHKILL, NY -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 03-04-2003 -- IBM today announced it has added the ARM1026EJ-S microprocessor from ARM to its options for custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip designs and foundry manufacturing services.

Customers who wish to use this ARM processor in their products can now do so while also benefitting from IBM's custom chip expertise and advanced manufacturing processes to enhance their offerings.

The ARM1026EJ-S microprocessor complements the IBM PowerPC microprocessor and hundreds of other cores in IBM's ASIC portfolio for system-on-chip designs.

"The addition of the ARM1026EJ-S core to our ASIC library is intended to provide additional options for our customers," said Tom Reeves, vice president, ASIC product group, IBM Microelectronics. "We have initiated a number of steps to make it easier for customers to tap into IBM ASIC technology for a wider array of applications. Access to key component designs, such as the ARM1026EJ-S processor core, is one such example."

The ARM1026EJ-S microprocessor core is a piece of chip design that can be combined with others in a building-block fashion to produce a unique chip for a specific applications in less time and at lower cost than designing the entire chip from the ground up.

"As IBM moves forward with its performance roadmap, the ARM1026EJ-S core is a natural upgrade path to the previously-licensed ARM9E family of cores," said John Rayfield, VP of U.S. marketing for ARM. "The ARM1026EJ-S core encompasses numerous technological improvements and enables market leaders like IBM to move forward with development of cutting-edge products for demanding, data-intensive applications."

IBM is already in discussion with a number of customers on the use of the ARM1026EJ-S core in a variety of applications. The ARM1026EJ-S core is part of IBM's Blue Logic technology, a comprehensive set of custom chip offerings that can be integrated into manufacturers' products with the help of IBM's worldwide design centers.

About IBM Microelectronics

IBM Microelectronics is a key contributor to IBM's role as the world's premier information technology supplier. It develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art semiconductor and interconnect technologies, products and services. IBM Microelectronics activities are focused in three major areas: custom application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, PowerPC-based standard chip products, and high-tech foundry services. Its superior integrated solutions can be found in many of the world's best-known electronic brands.

IBM is a recognized innovator in the chip industry, having been first with advances like more power-efficient copper wiring in place of aluminum, faster silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and silicon germanium transistors, and improved low-k dielectric insulation between chip wires. These and other innovations have contributed to IBM's standing as the number one U.S. patent holder for 10 consecutive years. More information about IBM Microelectronics can be found at: www.ibm.com/chips.

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.

IBM, IBM Microelectronics and IBM Blue Logic are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc. ARM is a registered trademarks of ARM Limited. ARM7, ARM9, ARM9E and ARM1026EJ-S are trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc (LSE: ARM and NASDAQ: ARMHY); its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; and ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Contact: Rick Bause, IBM
Voice: 914-892-5463
Email: rbause@us.ibm.com