Clockless processing
Philips Electronics' Handshake Solutions business and ARM announced the joint development and marketing of an ARM processor using Handshake Solutions' low-power, self-timed technology. The compact asynchronous ARM processor is being aimed at smart card, consumer electronics and automotive markets because of its potential for very low-power consumption and low electromagnetic interference (EMI). The partnership provides Handshake Solutions with a license to develop the implementation using its design flow and methodology.
The "Handshake Technology" is claimed as the industry's first production proven methodology for using self-timed circuitry in commercial applications. Handshake Technology has been used for more than five years in products such as smart cards, pagers, in-vehicle network transceivers and cordless handsets.
The new ARM processor is compliant with the ARMv5TE architecture and optimised for use in both synchronous and asynchronous system-on-chip designs. The key benefits of the processor include low electromagnetic emission, reducing the probability of interfering with sensitive circuitry, and low peak currents, reducing system power requirements. Asynchronous processors consume zero dynamic power when there is no activity, significantly extending battery life.
ARM has previously supported the Amulet asynchronous design project lead by Professor Steve Furber at Manchester University. The new ARM processor will be available as a licensable core from ARM in Q1 2005, supported by Handshake Solutions' design tools and methodology.
