GlobalFoundries and ARM announce Cortex-A9-based 2.5+ GHz test CPU

On December 14, Global Foundries and ARM revealed details of the latest SoC solutions based around the ARM Cortex-A series processor. Developed using ARM Artisan advanced physical IP and Global Foundries' leading-edge process technologies, the companies have announced a 2.5+ GHz chip built around a dual-core Cortex-A9 processor. They also announced the testing of a 20nm development process for Cortex-A9 based SoCs.

The 2.5 GHz results were achieved on multiple wafers, produced using Global Foundries' 28nm high performance technology at Fab 1, in Dresden, Germany. The 28nm High Performance Plus (HPP) platform, with extremely low active power and an operating voltage of 0.85V, is expected to provide an additional performance boost.

The 20nm chips have been tested using Global Foundries' Technology Qualification Vehicle (TQV). The 20nm TQV is based on Global Foundries' 20nm technology, and is designed to provide up to 35% more performance than a 28nm product while using almost half the power. The 20nm TQV is a program developed with one goal in mind - to develop a process technology optimized for Cortex-A series processors, helping chip designers develop more complex 20nm products with a shorter time to market.