Apple Computer to Use ARM Processor in PDA
LOS GATOS, Calif. — May 29, 1992 — Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. (ARM) has announced a major design win for the ARM610 processor, just six months after the initial launch of the ARM6 technology.
Apple Computer has announced Newton, the first line of products from its new Personal Interactive Electronics division.
This first Newton product will be a pen-based notepad, that intelligently assists the user in capturing, organizing, and communicating ideas and information. This product was developed jointly by Apple and Sharp Corp., and will be available in 1993.
Based on object oriented programming, it will feature a novel user interface that learns from, and assists the user. The memory management unit (MMU) in the ARM610 provides specific support for object oriented data handling.
Robin Saxby, managing director of ARM, commented: ''We are delighted to be able to announce our first publicized design win for the ARM6 technology, especially from two leading companies such as Sharp and Apple.
''The Arm610 project underlines our commitment to our customer focus and the speed with which we can respond. We were able to provide Apple with silicon from both of our licensees (VLSI technology and GEC Plessey Semiconductors) within four months of project initiation.''
Lawrence G. Tesler, vice president of Apple's Newton Group, explained the reasons for Apple's choice: ''We chose ARM technology for the Newton product line because of its low power consumption, small size, and low cost. No other processor core offers this combination of advantages together with RISC performance.
''Additionally, the ARM supports many programming languages and provides excellent code density for all languages. ARM Ltd. supports the processor family with quality compilers, other tools and design skills.
''We feel very comfortable with this technology and it offers a future road-map that ensures we will be able to evolve the Newton product line rapidly.''
The ARM610 is a 32-bit microprocessor with an innovative on-chip MMU, which offers support for object oriented programming, 4Kbytes of cache, a write buffer and full JTAG boundary scan. The ARM610 runs at up to 15 million instructions per second with a 20MHz clock.
The device is available in the latest 144 pin ultra thin quad flat pack (TQFP) package to reduce the space requirements to a minimum.
Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. (ARM) was formed in 1990 by Acorn Computers, Apple Computer and VLSI Technology. ARM focuses on high performance, low cost, low power consumption, 32-bit RISC processors for embedded control, computing, digital signal processing and portable applications.
ARM also designs peripherals, supporting software and hardware tools. ARM has licensed its technology to two semiconductor manufacturers, VLSI Technology and GEC Plessey Semiconductors. Both manufacture and sell ARM products worldwide. ARM also offers design services, consultancy, feasibility studies, training and supply of prototypes.
CONTACT:
Advanced RISC Machines Ltd.
Tim O'Donnell, 408/399-5195
or
Ridgaway Communications
Gordon Daggy, 408/954-0377