ARM Releases Ultra-Low-Power Physical IP Libraries
ARM has announced the availability of ultra-low-power Physical IP libraries to drive the next generation of energy-efficient MCU devices. The ARM 0.18um ultra-low-power libraries (uLLs), coupled with the inherent power management advantages of the ARM Cortex processor family and the TSMC 0.18um embedded flash uLL/high-data-retention (HDR) process provides system-on-chip (SoC) designers with an additional reduction in power leakage by up to 10 times compared to 0.18um G implementations.
The ARM libraries, combined with the ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-R profile processors, provide a alternative to companies that are accustomed to a multiple MCU system approach. Utilising an advanced ultra-low-power, single, 32-bit MCU and optimised ARM libraries for the TSMC 0.18um uLL Embedded Flash/HDR process, designers can increase their design efficiency and lower overall system cost. This combination of physical IP, processor architecture and manufacturing technology is intended to enable the development of enhanced 32-bit MCUs for automotive, consumer appliance, sensor, lighting, e-metering, smart control and gaming devices.
The PMK libraries minimise power consumption in several ways. They support the dynamic operation of functional blocks at multiple voltages. The power gates and isolation cells enable a sleep mode and ensure fast wake-ups. The libraries are equipped with data-retention flip-flops and always-on cells. Biasing cells provide connections for well back biasing and reduce leakage even further. All the PMK libraries are designed to achieve optimal power trade-offs.
ARM 0.18um uLL libraries and PMK are available from ARM's Designstart IP access website. The Designstart program contains more than 10,000 standard cells and memories and interconnects libraries accessible online. Several of the libraries are sponsored by the foundries and are accessible free of charge. In addition, there are processor design kits for some ARM processor families.
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