ARC™ Overview

ARC International is the world leader in configurable processor technology. ARC licenses configurable and preconfigured CPU and DSP-enhanced SoC IP solutions that enable our customers to design more competitive products. Using ARC's configurable cores, our customers can improve their application performance and reduce their total SOC die size and cost. This provides a distinct advantage over non-configurable alternatives. In addition, ARC also provides application profiling tools, development software, a real-time operating system and related components for both ARC and non-ARC platforms. ARC's licensable technology is already shipping in key markets such as telecommunications, voice/data networking, consumer electronics and storage.

Configurable Processors

ARC's configurable processor cores are the smallest in their performance classes. The ARC™ 600 processor delivers an optimal balance of area and power consumption; an ideal fit for use in embedded subsystems on an SOC. The ARC™ 700 processor can scale up to 400MHz on standard 0.13um process geometries. This advanced design can serve as both a high speed CPU and cost-efficient DSP for a wide range of embedded applications.

Pre-configured Subsystems

ARC's first preconfigured solution is the ARCsound™ audio subsystem. While ARC cores and codecs have been used in audio processing for some time, this is the first complete subsystem available directly from ARC. ARCsound is designed to provide a fully optimized, licensable audio subsystem for easy integration into any SOC. Included in ARCsound is a customized ARC core, audio DSP extensions, memory subsystem, audio codec software and related software tools. The small size and low power requirements of this subsystem make it ideal for use in high-volume audio devices.

The ARChitect™ Processor Configurator

ARC has developed revolutionary approach to configuring application-specific processors: ARChitect. This GUI-based processor development environment provides our users an easy way to get the benefits of configurability: better application performance and lower silicon costs. The ARChitect tool is the 揻ront end?to all of ARC's cores. It streamlines configuring and extending an ARC core and allows designers to reduce features on each ARC core ?all to better optimize the core to their application.

Company History

ARC was established as an independent company in 1998, originally evolving from a business unit of Argonaut Software (LSE:AGT), a leading developer of video games and related technology. In 1993 ARC developed a configurable microprocessor core that developers could customize to fit almost any embedded application. ARC gained the first of many licensees in 1996 when Nintendo licensed the configurable core as a graphics accelerator chip for the Super Nintendo. ARC has continued this leadership in configurable cores with the ARC 600 and ARC 700 CPUs, each with DSP enhancements. At this time, ARC has almost 100 unique licensees and is involved in hundreds of different end-device applications.

Recognizing the changing dynamics of system-level design and to leverage the advances in software simulation tools, in 1999 ARC acquired MetaWare?Incorporated, an industry leading provider of a complete integrated development environment (IDE). These tools provide industry-leading support for ARC's cores, and are also available for other microprocessor architectures.

With a goal of helping customers reduce time-to-market, and cost, in 2000 ARC went on to acquire Precise Software Technologies Inc., a provider of a configurable Real-Time Operating System (MQX), network protocol stacks and embedded middleware. The MQX operating system remains a strong solution in the embedded control market and supports both ARC and non-ARC processors and cores.

In September 2000 ARC successfully completed its initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange.

Company Structure

ARC International is listed on the London Stock Exchange as ARC International plc (LSE:ARK), and employs 130 people in research and development, sales and marketing offices across North America, Europe and Asia. For information on ARC's locations click here.

Company Mission

To enable the world's leading semiconductor designers with configurable processor cores and technology for audio, video, imaging, wireless baseband and packet processing.

Our purpose is to make it possible for our customers to design and produce high volume, low-cost silicon, through a system-on-chip (SoC) approach. ARC's industry-leading position in processor configurability. integrating DSP extensions, development tools, operating systems, and optimized algorithms enables pre-verified intelligent subsystems for tomorrow's SOCs.

ARC's leadership in configurability enables our customers to develop application-optimized silicon designs. This results in more competitive, lower-cost products, especially important in high volume applications.