British chipmaker ARM has unveiled an IoT subsystem for its ARM Cortex-M processors which will speed development of customised chips for connected devices.
The hardware subsystem has been designed for use with the company’s processor and radio technologies, physical IP and ARM mbed OS.
The system uses ARM Artisan physical IP and has been optimised for TSMC’s 55nm ultra-low power (55ULP) process technology with embedded flash memory, which will help in development of small sized chips that can operate by consuming sub one-volt power.
ARM systems and software general manager James McNiven said: "With industry expectations of hundreds of billions of new smart connected sensors by 2030, we see a growing demand for highly customised chips.
"The ARM IoT subsystem for Cortex-M enables companies to simplify the process and improve time to market. It enables our partners to focus finite design resources on the system functionality that differentiates them in their market."
The company has developed the hardware subsystem in collaboration with Taiwanese semiconductor company TSMC.
Since the subsystem can operate at sub-one volt energy, the devices made with it can have extended battery life.
ARM said that the companies can develop products quickly using the hardware subsystem to tap into smart home and smart cities market.
The companies however will have to license the subsystem to include those analogue sensor makers and companies looking to add IoT connectivity to existing IP.
TSMC design infrastructure marketing division senior director Suk Lee said, "We have worked alongside ARM to ensure its IoT subsystem for Cortex-M cores is optimised for TSMC’s 55ULP process.
"This process is very well-suited for smart IoT devices as it provides a fine balance of cost and energy-efficiency."
