ES2 Extends ARM RISC Offering Through New Partnership; ES2 Licenses ARM7DMI RISC Processor.

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 1995-- Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. (ARM) and European Silicon Structures (ES2) today announced the signing of an agreement whereby ES2 acquires the rights to the ARM7DMI 32-bit RISC processor as an embedded core, together with the associated high-level software tools. ES2 will implement this core in its 0.8-micro dual-metal CMOS process. Atmel Corporation, a world leader in EEPROM and Flash Memory technology, recently acquired a major shareholding in the France-based ES2.

The ARM RISC processors are rapidly becoming the volume global RISC industry standard. The ES2 agreement complements those with ARM's other partners in that it broadens the accessibility of the ARM offering to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), Universities and ES2's existing customer base of ASIC developers.

ES2 is a fast-growing ASIC vendor supporting the entire ASIC cycle: circuit design development, on-silicon proveout, production rampup and high volume manufacturing. The ARM RISC processor is a key element in its expanding range of high-functionality digital and mixed-mode cells. Embedding the ARM7DMI powerful RISC core gives a high level of system integration on-ASIC. The established functionality of the processor reduces design development time.

In addition to its existing customer base of ASIC developers, ES2's long-established working relationships with the Eurochip and Chipshop initiatives will expand the acceptance of ARM as a standard to: European universities and small/medium-size electronic system designers.

Commented Bernard Pruniaux, ES2 CEO: "The ARM agreement puts ES2 in the mainstream of RISC processor system development. Our customers need the power, speed and silicon density of the ARM7, and they need it embedded on-chip. This core is an essential complement to our existing range of memory, standard interfacing and analog blocks."

Robin Saxby, ARM Managing Director & CEO, emphasized: "The contract with ES2 extendes our already wide range of ARM semiconductor partners. ES2 will put ARM RISC technology into universities and SMEs across Europe, placing it at the center of leading-edge R&D. Today's R&D leads to tomorrow's standard products."

ARM and ES2 are partners with Oxford University in the Esprit Framework IV, OMI (Open Microprocessor Systems Initiative) ASPIRE project, for the development of a microcontroller unit based on the ARM RISC processor and FPGA logic. With VHDL input, this is intended as a cost-effective way to achieve the rapid emulation of a wide range of microcontroller-based applications. Once proven, designs can be re-targeted to ASIC technology. Target end-users are small/medium-size electronic system designers and development groups in large corporations.

Advanced RISC Machines Ltd (ARM)

ARM designs, licenses and markets fast, low cost, low-power consumption RISC processors, peripherals and development tools for embedded control, consumer/educational multi-media, DSP and portable applications. ARM licenses its technology to semiconductor partner companies, who focus on manufacturing, applications and marketing. Each partner offers unique ARM related services, which together satisfy a wide range of application needs.

ARM also provides consulting and training. ARM's partners with products in production are: GEC Plessey Semiconductors, Sharp Corporation and VLSI Technology and with products in development: Asahi Kasei Microsystems, Cirrus Logic, Digital Semiconductor, Samsung and Texas Instruments. Together they are making ARM the world's volume RISC standard.

ES2 Profile

ES2's Capability

1. ES2 is an established, experienced ASIC supplier, with loyal clients from startups to industry leaders worldwide. 2. ES2 uses state-of-the-art CMOS fabrication and packaging technology, with a committed process evolution (CMOS and BiCMOS) matched by an expansion-based investment plan to stay at the leading edge. 3. ES2 can supply prototypes, as well as small, medium and large volumes, all at competitive prices and turnaround times. 4. ES2 can support the entire range of device complexity: from small, simple devices to complex, high gate- and pin-count devices incorporating embedded megacells and macro functions. 5. ES2 can supply pre-characterized cell libraries and custom-qualified cells, or accept designs on clients' own cell libraries. ES2 cell libraries include oscillators, analog interface cells, compiled RAM, ROM, dual-port RAM and multiplier megacells, and industry-standard macrocells. 6. ES2 can support the entire ASIC design flow, from VHDL entry to final layout, on all leading CAD tools. Add-on services include fault grading, scan insertion/ATPG, parametric testing and special packaging. 7. Quality is built-in to all aspects of ES2's activities: ES2 satisfies a number of international quality standards, such as ISO 9000, CECC, etc.

ES2's Image

ES2's image in the market is established in terms of its key differentiators:

1. Flexibility:

ES2 responds to the requirements of its clients in a highly flexible manner:

Designs can be accepted as GDS2 layouts (using the client's own libraries), netlists (using ES2 libraries), VHDL (for synthesis to ES2 libraries) or as specifications (for turnkey projects). A network of expert design centers is available to assist clients with special design requirements.

Manufacturing can be as prototypes, or in small, medium or large volumes, using the best combination of e-beam and optical masking fabrication for each order. Fabrication is done either in-house, or using a sub-contractor if necessary to cope with demand.

Testing can follow standard flows or include client-specified parametric tests. Testing is done either in-house or by a specialist sub-contractor.

Packaging: ES2 stocks a wide range of standard packages, and can order special packages if required. A network of specialist assembly sub-contractors is available, for example for BGA packaging.

2. Short time-to-market:

ES2's active support during the design phase, coupled with quick turnaround prototyping and volume production closely matched to the client's requirements, reduces the client's overall product time-to-market.

3. Low risk:

ES2's experience, established silicon processes, pre-characterized cell libraries, and advanced test facilities, all contribute to reducing the risk to the client.

4. Competitive pricing:

ES2's prices are industry-competitive, and offer excellent value-for-money in terms of the overall service provided.

5. Teamwork:

ES2 has a highly qualified and experienced staff who work together as a team. The teamwork extends outwards to include clients.

ES2 Key Clients

A significant proportion of ES2's clients have shown their loyalty by placing repeated orders over a period of years. Key active clients include: -0-

ABB                    Honeywell               S&K
Ascom                  Marconi                 Thomson
Atlas                  Martin Marietta
Boeing                 NFT
Dassault               Peugeot
Dream                  Philips
Esaote Biomedica       Saab
Eckardt                Sectra
ELA Medical            Sony-0- The ES2 Slogan

Silicon solutions

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