ARM Brings Best-In-Class Audio Solutions to Portable Consumer Devices

ARM Brings Best-In-Class Audio Solutions to Portable Consumer Devices

CAMBRIDGE, England, May 16/PRNewswire/ --

- OptimoDE data processing technology enables ultra power efficient,
multi-standard digital audio codec support for devices such as MP3 players

ARM (LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY) announced today at the Spring Processor
Forum in San Jose, Calif., the ARM(R) OptimoDE(tm) Audio Edition embedded
data processing technology optimized for the efficient implementation of
digital audio in embedded devices.

The new configuration of the ARM OptimoDE data engine technology has been
specifically developed to improve the efficiency of digital audio recording
and playback in products such as hard disk and flash memory-based portable
media players and mobile phones, enabling consumers to enjoy their music
content for up to 40 percent longer from a given battery charge.

"Consumers are demanding an ever more advanced, portable entertainment
experience from devices that must be compact, lightweight and capable of
delivering extreme power efficiency," said Steve Steele, director of Data
Engines business development, ARM. "The OptimoDE Audio Edition enables ARM
Partners to develop innovative ARM Powered(R) consumer products that meet
these demands and enhance the user experience."

At the heart of the OptimoDE Audio Edition is the AudioDE(tm) data
processing engine which is compatible with all leading software codecs for
multimedia applications such as MP3, WMA, AAC, and AC3. The AudioDE
microarchitecture is finely tuned to the digital audio domain, resulting in
highly efficient processing and very low power. For example, for 320Kbits/s
stereo MP3 decode the core requires just 0.8mW (Artisan TSMC CL013GSFG,
Operating voltage=1.2V)

ESPICO, an industry leading supplier of audio codecs, is the lead
software Partner for the ARM OptimoDE Audio Edition technology. ESPICO will
develop and market a variety of standards-based audio software codecs that
will be optimized to run on ARM OptimoDE embedded signal-processing data
engines. Together, ESPICO and ARM will offer complete solutions for OEMs
developing embedded systems for portable audio devices, satisfying their
requirements for long battery life and the ability to play music files in
multiple audio formats.

"AudioDE technology represents a step change in the silicon and power
efficiency available from a software implementation," said Cliff Parris, CEO,
ESPICO. "The agreement between ESPICO and ARM enables both companies to focus
on our core competencies and stay at the leading edge of our areas of
expertise. In this way, we bring a more complete, technically superior
offering to our customers, in the fastest possible time."

The new ARM AudioDE data engine is provided with a reference sub-system
design for simple SoC integration as a data-driven peripheral. This
configuration enables the AudioDE data engine to be completely shut down in
devices where music playback is a secondary function (e.g. cellphones with a
built-in music player) thereby saving power and enabling memory resources to
be redeployed.

About OptimoDE Data Engines

ARM OptimoDE data engine technology is licensable intellectual property
with an associated tool environment. OptimoDE technology is a configurable
VLIW-styled architecture targeted at high-performance embedded signal
processing applications. The tool environment enables the designer to
configure and extend the type and number of data path resource units. The
size and topology of local storage and the level of interconnect are also
fully configurable. OptimoDE data engines are programmed in either C or C++
and are provided with a sophisticated C compiler and profiling analysis
tools.

Both the OptimoDE Audio Edition and the OptimoDE Standard Edition are
available now for licensing from ARM.

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital
products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to
imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive
product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D
processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and
development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity
products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they provide a
total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading
electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at
http://www.arm.com.

ARM and ARM Powered are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. OptimoDE
and AudioDE are trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names
are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM
Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional
subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS;
ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation
Inc.; AXYS GmbH; ARM Embedded Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Physical IP, Inc.

Key message points for analysts and journalists:

- ARM has developed an Audio Edition of its OptimoDE
technology. This special edition contains AudioDE technology, an
audio-specific data engine processor.

- Consumer demand for compact, portable devices that deliver a
seamless entertainment experience is driving innovation in power
efficient digital audio technology. The ARM OptimoDE data engine
technology directly addresses this demand.

- The ARM AudioDE data engine processor is a best-in-class
audio solution that delivers the performance levels of dedicated logic
with the re-programmability of a general-purpose DSP.

- AudioDE technology greatly enhances the battery life of a
portable digital audio device by improving the runtime efficiency of
digital codecs.

Source: ARM Ltd

ARM PRESS OFFICE: +44-208-996-4141 Niall O'Malley, Text 100, +44-208-996-4143 londonarm@text100.co.uk Michelle Spencer, ARM, +44-1628-427780 michelle.spencer@arm.com

-------
Profile: intent