National Semiconductor has announced that Samsung has licensed the power management technology it developed in partnership with ARM for optimising processor power efficiency in mobile phones.

According to the firm, use of its PowerWise advanced power controller technology, when used with a voltage and frequency scaling device and ARM energy management software, can reduce power consumption by as much as 25 to 30 per cent.

National and ARM have collaborated on the development of a synthesisable AMBA methodology-compliant macrocell called the APC, which includes a hardware performance monitor. This combination allows the APC block to automatically compensate and minimise the voltage supply based upon real-time, on-chip system conditions, said the firm.

“The collaboration between ARM and National Semiconductor is designed to bring technologies to market that deliver increased power and energy efficiency to mobile and wireless devices,” said Kevin McIntyre, IEM product manager, ARM. 
 
The power management controller, which is available for license through National or ARM, is part of a suite of technology, which includes ARM Artisan Physical IP, AMBA 3 AXI interconnect, IEM software and IEC hardware.  There are currently three IEM technology-enabled processors: the ARM1176JF-S processor, the ARM1176JZF-S processor, and the ARM11 MPCore multiprocessor.

The technology is also available in the Cortex family of processors.