Date: 24/02/2009

New Cortex -M0 is smallest and most power saving processor of ARM family

ARM has announced the new ARM Cortex-M0 processor, the smallest, lowest power and most energy-efficient ARM processor available. Through this processor, ARM is targeting markets such as medical devices, e-metering, lighting, smart control, gaming accessories, compact power supply, power and motor control, precision analog and IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) and Z-Wave systems.
Superb performance of low power, small gate count and code footprint of this 32-bit processor can be offered at low cost. This processor IP can be deployed in analog and mixed signal devices as well as Microcontroller applications. Cortex-M0 is code compatible with Cortex-M3 processor in most aspects.

The Cortex-M0 processor consumes 85 microwatts/MHz (0.085 milliwatts) in an area of under 12K gates when using the ARM 180ULL (Ultra Low Leakage) physical IP. The future requirement of keeping both analog and digital and even RF in single chip, is addressed by this new Cortex-M0 processor. Applications such as intelligent sensors and actuators which have traditionally required separate analog and digital devices will now be developed in SoC model by using this processor IP core.

There are host of tools, libraries and kits provided by ARM for low power design.

The first licensees of Cortex-M0 processor are NXP Semiconductors and Triad Semiconductor.

"We are excited about deploying the smallest ever ARM processor in our product development process," said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager, Microcontroller Division, NXP Semiconductors. "By providing 32-bit performance in a 16-bit footprint, the ARM Cortex-M0 processor, enables us to reduce silicon and energy costs without compromising product enhancements or upward code compatibility, making it an ideal complement to the Cortex-M3 architecture that we use across our products."

"Smart sensors are an ever growing requirement in a wide range of next-generation applications from industrial, to medical and automotive," said Jim Kemerling, VP and CTO of Triad Semiconductor. "Combining the ARM Cortex-M0 processor with our silicon-proven configurable analog and digital technology will provide Triad Semiconductor customers with the fastest, safest and most cost-effective way to design, prototype and produce advanced mixed signal ASICs."

"The boundaries between traditional MCU classifications have begun to blur as advancements in technology see the emergence of smaller, more powerful processor families," said Tony Massimini, Chief of Technology, Semico. "The ultra low-power ARM Cortex-M0 processor brings this evolution to a whole new level with its 32-bit performance at an 8-bit price point, enabling manufacturers to offer rich and enhanced product features at a significantly lower cost."

"The Cortex-M0 processor is yet another demonstration of ARM's low power leadership and its commitment to drive the industry forward towards higher performance with ever lower power consumption," said Mike Inglis, executive vice president and general manager, Processor Division, ARM. "With its expertise in low-power technology, ARM has worked closely with its Partners and their customers to ensure that our processor architectures enable the cost and energy-efficient creation of tomorrow's electronic devices and systems."