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ARM drives SOI design with first IP libraries for IBM 45nm process
ARM claims to have the industry's first Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) physical IP library including standard cell, memory and I/O libraries for IBM's fully enabled 45nm SOI foundry.
Targeted at low power design, SOI can achieve improved power efficiencies than traditional bulk CMOS. "SOI technology enables up to 30% better performance and 40% power savings at existing process nodes," said ARM.
IP library availability in the main semiconductor foundries is seen as the first step toward widespread use of SOI process technology in commercial system-on-chip designs.
According to Joanne Itow, managing director at market watcher Semico Research: "To date, two major barriers have inhibited the broad adoption of SOI as this alternative - foundry capacity and IP library availability".
Tom Lantzsch, v- p of marketing for the ARM physical IP division described IBM's process as "the industry's first fully enabled SOI foundry" service.
ARM also has a strong IP library relationship with French SOI foundry Soitec.
"Two years ago, Soitec and ARM announced a joint agreement supporting the development of SOI libraries for the fabless and foundry arenas, promising designers a solution to accelerate SOI adoption and design," said André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, president and CEO, Soitec.
"Today's announcement marks a significant milestone in delivering our promise of reducing the barriers to entry," said Auberton-Hervé.
The ARM SOI physical IP library is supported by standard synthesis and place and route implementation flows which enable customers to quickly implement products without changing design methodologies or training of employees.
EDA views for Synopsys, Cadence and Magma tools are supported. Customers can start downloading the free ARM SOI physical IP library from the ARM website.