ARM offers several flexible licensing models designed to meet the differing needs of existing and future Partners.

Implementation License
The Implementation license is ARM's most popular licensing model and provides complete information to design and manufacture integrated circuits containing an ARM processor. Implementation licenses are ideal for semiconductor vendors with design and manufacturing capability who plan to use ARM processors in several products. ARM can provide either hard or soft core deliverables to suit individual Partner's design flows.

Foundry License
The ARM Processor Foundry Program  is an innovative model which enables fab-less semiconductor vendors and OEMs to develop and sell ARM processor-based products manufactured by licensed foundries. The Program comprises two distinct licenses - a Design License which is granted to the fabless semiconductor vendor or OEM and provides all the key elements and views needed to design an ARM Powered® system-on-chip, and a Foundry License which is granted to the semiconductor foundry.

DesignStart^TM License
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. 

Architecture License
An ARM architecture license enables the licensee to develop their own CPU implementations compliant with ARM's Instruction Set Architecture. The architecture licensee must have extensive design resources and the highest level of implementation expertise.

University DesignStart License
ARM also provides access to ARM processor IP through the University DesignStart Program. The program enables academic institutions to carry out the majority of design activities, including SoC integration and verification, software development and chip layout, using actual processor IP, at no cost. 

 
Licensing ARM Artisan Physical IP products
For information regarding ARM Artisan Physical IP licensing programs, please click here.
 

Back to Top