ARM is targeting the system-on-chip (SoC) and Asic markets with an embedded processor intellectual property (IP) programme which will make it easier for semiconductors to get access to and license ARM IP.
The aim, said ARM, is to allow participating companies to license a package of ARM technology, which includes processor, graphics, fabric and physical IP.
The hope is that providing easier access to a range of semiconductor IP, which is fully inter-operable, will allow companies to speed up design cycles.
The first member of the programme is Socle Technology of Taiwan.
Taiwan-based foundry Chartered is an investor in Socle and it will use the partnership to provide an ARM-based Asic service on a range of advanced process nodes.
"Socle Technology is well known as a leading provider of ARM technology-based embedded platform design solutions and our partnership with them is the first in our new, innovative business model which sees ARM engage in a strategic partnership with this important community," said Philip Lu, president, ARM Taiwan.
Socle has licensed the ARM11 processor family, the Mali-200 and Mali-55 cores for advanced 3D consumer graphics, CoreSight technology for advanced debug and trace capability and a full range of configurable AMBA PrimeCell peripherals (including interconnect, dynamic and static memory controllers, DMA controllers, and Level 2 Cache Controllers).
See also: Electronics Weekly's focus on microprocessors, a roundup of content on microprocessor technologies and developments not related to the x86 architecture (from ARM, Texas Instruments and MIPS).