NXP announces Cortex-M0 based processor
NXP has unveiled what it says is the first functional ARM Cortex-M0 silicon and says the Cortex-M0 processor represents a 'breakthrough in terms of size, low power and energy efficiency'.
"The Cortex-M0 processor takes the complexity out of using 32bit processors," said Geoff Lees, vice president and general manager of NXP's microcontroller division. "Customers can take full advantage of their existing ARM tool chains and preserve their software investment."
However, despite the fact that it is already working with lead customers, NXP says the first Cortex-M0 based processor – the LPC1100 series – will not be available until the beginning of 2010.
The Cortex-M0 core, which occupies only 12,000 gates, consumes 85µW/MHz. On a 0.18µm process, the core will typically run at 50MHz, but it can also be designed into a leading edge SoC.
