Overview
The ARM DesignStart™ program provides designers with the ability to evaluate ARM processors in their system design before paying any license fees. The program enables fabless companies -, from start-ups through to small / medium size organizations - to do the majority of their design activities, including SoC integration and verification, software development and chip layout, prior to obtaining a full ARM Processor Foundry Program License. 

ARM has engaged with leading foundries to provide silicon-proven implementations of ARM processors on specific foundry processes. Designers can complete their design activities with the knowledge that the processor performance characteristics have been verified in real silicon on the target foundry process, reducing risk and time-to-market. 
Once a design is completed, tested, and ready for fabrication, a full foundry design kit can be licensed, which provides the final deliverables required for tapeout and manufacture at the specified foundry.

Companies wishing to participate in the DesignStart Program need to register with ARM. Once registered, qualified customers may download DesignStart Kits directly from the ARM web site.

Two popular ARM processors are available in this program, the ARM7TDMI® processor and the ARM926EJ™ processor.

DesignStart Program Processor Characteristics

For a full schedule of DesignStart processor implementations, click here

The DesignStart Kit
The DesignStart Kit includes:

• Documentation including User Guide and Integration Manual
• Reduced feature DSM allowing RTL level simulation
• Foundry process specific timing view (.lib and .CLF format)

• Foundry process specific abstract layout view (.LEF and .FRAM format)

In addition to the deliverables above, the ARM7TDMI processor DesignStart Kit also includes:

• Example test vectors to check the RTL level integration
• AMBA® AHB™ wrapper

To register for the DesignStart program click here

For further program information contact: foundrysales@arm.com.

Recent Press Releases

Date	Press Release
22 Aug 2007	Xi'An Huaxun Licenses ARM7TDMI Processor
13 Aug 2007	Speed Pixel Licenses ARM7TDMI Processor for New Digital Wireless Video SoC

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