Globalfoundries and ARM have announced the first test chip based on a dual-core Cortex-A9 processor operating at frequencies of more than 2.5GHz.
The companies also announced a 20nm tape out using Globalfoundries’ Technology Qualification Vehicle (TQV) for SoCs based on Cortex-A9 processors.
“This is a demonstration that the TQV strategy developed with ARM is paying dividends in our 32/28nm HKMG technology by delivering impressive performance and energy-efficiency,” said Mojy Chian, senior v-p of design enablement, Globalfoundries.
“Furthermore, it serves as a foundation for next-generation mobile and high-end consumer devices using 20nm process technology,” said Simon Segars, executive v-p and general manager, physical IP division, ARM.
The 2.5GHz test chips were produced in Dresden, Germany, on the foundry’s 28nm-HP technology.
The 20nm TQV is based a 20nm-LPM platform, which is designed to improve performance by up to 35% and nearly half the power consumption of 28nm technologies.
The goal of the 20nm TQV is the same as the 28nm TQV: to develop process technology that is optimised for Cortex-A series processors.