Actel and ARM Sign Landmark Agreement to Bring Arm7 Processor Family to Burgeoning FPGA Market
Unique Business Model Extends ARM7 Family Processor
to the Mainstream FPGA Designer
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, UK, March 07, 2005 —
Representing
the first time an ARM® processor has been licensed to a programmable
logic vendor for implementation as a "soft" IP core, Actel
Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) and ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)] today
announced at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC), San Francisco, that
the two companies have collaborated to provide a 32-bit ARM7™ Thumb® family
microprocessor to Actel's broad FPGA customer base.
With the establishment of this partnership, Actel will take the unique
step of delivering to developers a soft ARM7 family implementation for
use in several of Actel's FPGA families. Targeting the fastest growing
market for design-ins, this move will create the first soft core FPGA
version of the ARM7 family microprocessor that can be leveraged across
applications ranging from high-volume consumer applications to high-performance,
high-reliability products. As a consequence, programmable logic users
will be able to access ASIC-like design flexibility, with broad third-party
support and trusted IP, as well as the added programmability and security
benefits of Actel FPGAs.
"For the first time, ARM can provide FPGA designers the flexibility
of a soft IP core thanks to the built-in security of Actel's flash- and
antifuse-based FPGAs," said Mike Inglis, executive vice president,
marketing, ARM. "With this unique collaboration, the ARM7 family
can now be designed into FPGA-based consumer products; FPGA development
platforms for ASICs and prototyping; and especially for applications
where low volumes have previously precluded the use of ARM processors."
"For nearly two decades, we have been saying that in the long run
customers always get what they want, and this agreement is a perfect
example," said John East, president and CEO of Actel. "ARM
is the leading provider of 32-bit embedded processor technology, and
FPGA users have, for a long time, asked for access to this industry-standard
architecture in a soft-IP format. Through this historic partnership with
ARM, we will extend the reach of the ARM architecture to include markets
that could not previously afford individual access. We are bringing an
FPGA-optimized ARM7 family core to the masses."
As part of the agreement, Actel will develop a family of ARM technology-enabled
FPGA products. The initial devices will be introduced in 2005. The soft
core ARM7 family processor will be delivered to customers using the unique
security features available only in Actel FPGA devices. Developers will
be able to take advantage of the end-to-end integrated solution provided
by the Actel Libero and ARM RealView® tools, enabling them to rapidly
develop products, which maximize functionality and achieve optimal design
performance.
About Actel
Actel Corporation is a supplier of innovative programmable logic solutions,
including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) based on antifuse
and flash technologies, high-performance intellectual property (IP)
cores, software development tools and design services, targeted for
the high-speed communications, application-specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) replacement and radiation-tolerant markets. Founded in 1985,
Actel employs more than 500 people worldwide. The Company is traded
on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACTL and is headquartered
at 2061 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA, 94043-4655. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL
(992-2835). Internet:: http://www.actel.com.
About ARM
ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital
products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions
to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive
product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines,
3D processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software
and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity
products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they
provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to
market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is
available at http://www.arm.com.
Contact: Stephanie Mrus, Actel Corporation, 650.318.4614
