Jazelle

ARM Jazelle DBX (Direct Bytecode eXecution) technology for direct bytecode execution of JavaTM delivers an unparalleled combination of Java performance and the world's leading 32-bit embedded RISC architecture - giving platform developers the freedom to run Java applications alongside established OS, middleware and application code on a single processor.

ARM Jazelle RCT (Runtime Compilation Target) technology supports efficient ahead-of-time (AOT) and just-in-time (JIT) compilation with Java and other execution environments.  

There are a number of ways for a virtual machine to execute bytecode:

Direct interpretation, where each bytecode is translated to machine code in software, offers the most memory efficient solution. The vast majority of J2ME Java solutions in the market today use bytecode interpretation. Without hardware acceleration, direct interpretation may not have the performance required to run the more compelling applications.

Just in Time (JIT) or Dynamic Adaptive Compilation (DAC) compilation, where code is first interpreted as above, and profiled to identify the most frequently executed code. These code segments are then compiled to native ARM code. The time taken to profile and compile code at run-time can result in excessive start-up times and jerkiness, resulting in a bad user experience. Code expansion or “bloat” is typically 4 to 8x the original bytecode, increasing memory and system cost and power consumption. Typical JIT and DAC compiler solutions are highly complex pieces of software and require significant effort to tune for the target platform, increasing cost of ownership.

Ahead of Time (AOT) compilation, occurs where the application is compiled, either before download (at the server), on installation (during device manufacture) or while downloading the application for the first time. AOT compilation can deliver good performance, but can also be extremely costly in terms of memory code bloat, so selective AOT compilation can work in combination with JIT or interpreter techniques

ARM offers a range of solutions and an innovative technology roadmap to solve the performance and feature requirements of J2ME Java platforms, with products for CDC and CLDC.

Developed by an ARM team of unparalleled experience in creating the most highly optimized JVM solutions for the ARM Jazelle technology platforms, Jazelle software solutions provide extremely high performance and incredible user experience for a wide range of consumer devices, from mobile phones to BluRay DVD players.

The Jazelle Java Technology Enabling Kit (JTEK) has been licensed since 2002 to enable JVMs to take full advantage of Jazelle DBX technology-enabled processors offering high performance in up to 8x less RAM compared to software only approaches.

ARM has worked with major handset and independent software vendors, continually improving performance of its Jazelle JTEK software since its launch, doubling the performance of version 3 versus version 2 of Jazelle JTEK through software alone, while minimizing memory usage.

Partner requests for a multi-tasking Java platform required ARM to re-architect the JVM to be a Multi-tasking Virtual Machine (MVM). Working with leading industry Partners and handset vendors, ARM has developed a highly optimized MVM implementation - achieving high performance, fast response and switching, smooth consistent behavior and a very small memory footprint.

Jazelle MobileVM

The ARM MVM solution forms the basis of the ARM Jazelle MobileVM software.

Jazelle MobileVM is a complete JVM, engineered to provide high performance multi-tasking in a very small memory footprint. ARM continues to invest in and build major new features to enhance the Java platform, including a runtime bytecode optimizer capable of improving performance by a further 40%, and a novel approach to on-target debug that allows fast deployment and extremely simple customizability. That results in faster time to market for developers and an ability for handset vendors and network operators to customize on-target debug for their developer communities.

Availability

ARM Jazelle software is available from a range of Software Partners. Please talk to us about your requirements and we will be happy to help.

Wide Adoption

ARM Jazelle software products are licensed and shipping today in hundreds of millions of mobile handsets and other consumer devices from major OEMs worldwide. Many leading mobile network operators recommend or mandate Jazelle technology.