Hidtil mindste ARM-processor
ARM lancerer Cortex-M0 processorkernen, som ifølge verdens førende leverandører af processorkerner tilbyder 32-bit ydelse til 8-bit pris (in english).
ARM has announced the ARM Cortex-M0 processor, the smallest, lowest power and most energy-efficient ARM processor available. The exceptional low power, small gate count and code footprint of the processor enables MCU developers to achieve 32-bit performance at an 8-bit price point, claims ARM.The ultra low gate count also enables it to be deployed in analog and mixed signal devices as well as MCU applications, and promises substantial savings in system cost while retaining tool and binary compatibility with the feature-rich Cortex-M3 processor.
The Cortex-M0 processor, which consumes as little as 85 microwatts/MHz (0.085 milliwatts) in an area of under 12K gates when using the ARM 180ULL (Ultra Low Leakage) physical IP, builds on the unrivalled expertise of ARM as a leader in low-power technology and a key enabler for the creation of ultra low-power devices.
The new processor extends the company’s MCU roadmap into ultra low-power MCU and SoC applications such as medical devices, e-metering, lighting, smart control, gaming accessories, compact power supply, power and motor control, precision analog and IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) and Z-Wave systems. The Cortex-M0 processor is also suitable for the programmable mixed signal market with applications such as intelligent sensors and actuators which have traditionally required separate analog and digital devices.
The low-power operation of the Cortex-M0 processor is enhanced by the ARM Ultra High Density Standard Cell Library for the 180ULL process, the ARM Power Management Kit (PMK), low power memory instances built specially for Cortex-M0, and the Keil Microcontroller Development Kit. The ARM low power libraries are optimized to enable low dynamic and static power consumption and minimize chip area. The PMK features dynamic and leakage power management functions and the low power memory instances support external power gating for extreme leakage reduction.
The processor is also be supported by third-party tool and RTOS vendors including CodeSourcery, Code Red, Express Logic, IAR Systems, Mentor Graphics, Micrium and SEGGER.
The Cortex-M0 processor is fully compatible with the recently-launched Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS), the vendor-independent hardware abstraction layer for the Cortex-M processor series (Nov 12 - ARM Introduces Software Interface Standard for Cortex Processor-based Microcontrollers).
The CMSIS enables consistent and simple software interfaces to the processor for silicon vendors and middleware providers, simplifying software re-use, reducing the learning curve for new microcontroller developers and reducing the time-to-market for new devices.
ARM offers a comprehensive range of peripheral, debug and interconnect fabric IP, optimized for ARM processor IP, enabling Partners to reduce risk, improve system performance and accelerate time to market for their ARM processor-based devices.
Rapid deployment of the ARM Cortex-M0 processor into embedded design teams is supported through training courses for hardware systems integration and software programming, as well as through the ARM Active Assist project-based advisory service.
The ARM Cortex-M0 is available for licensing today.
