DesignStart program expands with fast access to the Cortex-A5 CPU, Arm’s lowest-power, Linux-capable application processor. The Program provides the lowest-cost route to Linux-capable SoCs through the combination of affordable IP, and access to the wide array of middleware and applications that run on Arm
While the breadth of IoT provides endless possibilities for advanced software development, it also holds challenges for designers. In a rapidly changing and competitive market, designers need to differentiate their products and deliver enhanced designs at the lowest cost in the fastest time possible.
Faster, easier access to the Cortex-A5 processor through DesignStart
Having listened to the developer community and their request for easy access to an Arm Linux-capable processor for advanced design, we are expanding the DesignStart program to include Cortex-A5, our lowest-power, most area efficient application processor. DesignStart has opened up Arm CPUs to even more designers, with over 3,000 CPU prototyping downloads in the last 12 months alone, including one company who went from concept to tape-out in less than six months. We are taking the program to the next level with the Cortex-A5 – a high-performance, feature-rich processor shipped in over two billion devices to date and chosen by top cloud vendors as the entry point for edge IoT processing. 70% of rich embedded devices are based on Arm*1 and it is ideal for innovative, cost-sensitive applications with advanced requirements, in diverse markets such as medical, smart home and industrial.
Unlock software innovation with access to Linux on Arm
Arm is now providing developers with the lowest cost access to a Linux-capable Arm CPU. IP access, including one-year design support from Arm experts, is $75k, with an alternative option of $150k access fee that includes three years of support to help achieve right-first-time silicon.
Arm is the primary architecture for embedded Linux and Android, with hundreds of Linux-based projects that already run on Arm. Linaro and Arm’s combined efforts rank among the top 3 contributors to the Linux kernel.
Faster SoC development with the most scalable and configurable Armv7-A processor
The Cortex-A5 package in DesignStart includes flexible system IP for area and power-optimized SoC development. Key benefits of this comprehensive system IP include:
- Proven SoC foundation– flexible system IP for area and power-optimized SoC development
- Low-latency interconnect– Arm CoreLink NIC-400 provides configurable and low-power connectivity with design flexibility
- Seamless debugging– industry-standard CoreSight debug and trace solution
- System-wide security– TrustZone technology provides hardware-enforced isolation to establish a secure root of trust
When ready to tape out a custom chip, time to market can be accelerated with Arm’s vast range of Artisan physical IP. Developers can also benefit from design enablement platforms being supported by 18 foundry partners with process technology ranging from 250nm to 5nm.
Continuing DesignStart momentum
Earlier this month we announced that DesignStart is now offering Cortex-M processors without any license fee or royalty on Xilinx FPGAs. Through expanding the program to offer Cortex-A5, we hope to support innovation across the entire design spectrum of embedded and IoT devices, catering to the diverse requirements of this dynamic market. DesignStart also helps speed up SoC implementation with free access to the industry-leading library of physical IP, tailored for a range of fabs and process nodes, through Arm Artisan physical IP.
Our DesignStart mission is to make access to Arm IP as simple as possible. With thousands of successful tape outs over the past 10 years, we look forward to seeing what possibilities the future holds.
To learn more, log on https://www.arm.com/
