ARM Optimizes Architecture for Java Applications

Business Wire, Oct 11, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CAMBRIDGE, U.K.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 2000

Java-Enabled Extension for ARM(R) Architecture Supports

Internet-Enabled and Wireless Devices for Consumer and Enterprise

Computing Markets

ARM (LSE:ARM) (Nasdaq:ARMHY), the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, today announced the ARM Jazelle(TM) architecture extension.

This new extension enables devices based on the ARM architecture to directly execute Java byte-code, providing developers of wireless communications products, set-top boxes and other Internet-enabled devices with a low-power microprocessor solution capable of executing Java applications at high performance levels; Jazelle enabled devices surpass 1000 CaffeineMarks in a typical 200MHz processor implementation and enhance Java performance by a factor of eight.

Typical Java solutions depend on either software implementation or hardware co-processors to enhance performance. However, both present technical hurdles in space-constrained system design. Software solutions rely on increased use of memory components, which consume more power and valuable board space; hardware solutions need to be physically attached to the processor, also requiring additional silicon costs.

The ARM Jazelle extension leverages the advantages of both solutions, without requiring add-on hardware or additional memory. The ARM extension is also capable of running Java, ARM and Thumb(R) instructions, enabling embedded support of Java byte-code as well as other industry-proven applications and operating systems. These benefits are well-suited to support the growing demand for Internet-enabled appliances, where the ability to download and run Java technology-based applications is raising end-user expectations of next-generation consumer products and services.

"ARM's Jazelle extension offers its partners good Java performance with little added cost or power," said Linley Gwennap, founder and principal analyst of The Linley Group. "Standard processors will not be able to keep up with the Jazelle technology without an expensive and power-hungry coprocessor. This extension is ideal for next-generation wireless devices with Java capabilities."

"Java technology is enabling a new generation of wireless and home-gateway platforms, from shopping and games to banking and financial services, and the ability to provide high levels of Java performance at consumer friendly costs will be key to enabling these next-generation Internet-enabled services," said David Cormie, product marketing manager, ARM. "ARM has always been a strong supporter of the Java platform and with this new Jazelle extension, which provides seamless, high-performance Java capabilities, will enable our partners to introduce a new level of Java-enabled, ARM Powered(TM) solutions."

Benefits

ARM Jazelle enabled cores yield significant benefits for developers. Platforms incorporating Jazelle-enabled devices are able to execute Java byte-code at up to eight times the performance of software-based solutions and double the performance of typical co-processor solutions. This high performance enables complex Java applications to run on low-power ARM core-based systems.

The ARM Jazelle extension integrates the ability to execute Java byte-code directly in the microprocessor core, removing the requirement for an external accelerator. This reduces hardware costs, power consumption, and system design complexity, while providing an efficient programmer's model for easier integration with operating systems and applications.

By providing a significant level of performance in the hardware, the ARM Jazelle extension also eliminates the need for JIT compiler technology, which significantly reduces memory costs while providing high-performance Java capabilities for low-cost consumer and portable platforms. The Jazelle extension further reduces power requirements by placing less demand on system memory and allowing lower-speed operation for equivalent performance.

Jazelle enabled systems efficiently run both Java and native code, allowing developers to leverage the existing base of application and operating system expertise while achieving an efficient balance of Java portability and native performance for their application. The extensions are compatible with industry-standard Java run-time environments as well as any of the industry-proven operating systems already ported to the ARM architecture.

The Jazelle extension provides complete compatibility with the ARM Thumb instruction set, ensuring operating systems and application code can be re-used on Jazelle enabled, ARM Powered devices. The Jazelle extension is fully supported by ARM's development tools and real-time debug solution.

ARM Jazelle enabled microprocessor solutions will be licensed as intellectual property (IP) cores for implementation within application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or application specific standard product (ASSP) designs. Pricing is established by ARM semiconductor licensees and is based on customer-specific system-level design requirements.