ARM has launched a new architecture for its M class MCU cores, as well as the first member of a new family of ultra efficient Cortex-A class processors.
Nandam Nayampally, vp of marketing for ARM’s CPU group, said v8-M is a 32bit architecture which will run the T32/Thumb instruction sets and bring TrustZone levels of security to the M class for the first time. “The requirements will be different,” he said, “so the architecture has been adapted.” Amongst the features will be protected memory and the ability to separate trusted and non trusted data and hardware. ARM also unveiled the AMBA AHB5 bus.
“When you pull it all together,” Nayampally noted, “you have processors optimised for MCU applications, featuring determinism and low latency.”
Meanwhile, the company is also launching the Cortex-A35, which it is aiming at those who would have chosen an A5 or an A7. The core is said to consume 10% less power than a Cortex-A7, but to provide from 6 to 40% more performance. The 64bit capable core is said to consume less than 90mW when running at 1GHz on a 28nm device. Ian Smythe, director of marketing programmes for ARM’s CPU group, said: “We expect that an efficient implementation of the core could cut power consumption to 5 or 6mW at 100MHz.”
The A35 is being targeted at entry level smartphones. Smythe said licences have been signed with ‘multiple customers’, with devices expected by the end of 2016.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk