Richard Wawrzyniak Responds

Recently, Mark LaPedus of the EETimes wrote an article titled, "Opinion: Semi IP sector is a lost cause."

Semico's Senior Analyst Rich Wawrzyniak responds with Semico's take on IP here.

2007-09-19

Intel Signs on with ARC

On Sept. 11, 2007 it was announced that Intel has signed a new multi-year, royalty bearing licensing agreement with ARC. The agreement covers several ARC products.

It appears that Intel will make use of ARC’s configurable CPU technology for its SoC development. The announcement implies that Intel had been an ARC licensee already. The announcement also indicates that Intel may utilize ARC products for wireless communications. It should be noted that in April 2007 Broadcom signed a 10 year extension to its existing licensing agreement with ARC.

ARC has been developing products for multimedia and portable applications. The company has also been pursuing a heterogeneous multi-core design strategy. This ties in well with recent announcements from Intel. At this week’s Intel Developer’s Forum, Intel presented products and roadmaps for mobile computing, including WiMAX connectivity. This is not only for notebook PCs but also an emerging class of convergence products. Intel is promoting Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPC) and Mobile Internet Devices (MID). These products are intended to provide full internet access with optional standardized communications capabilities such as Wi-Fi, 3G and WiMAX. Power consumption is a key factor.

Semico Spin

Intel’s silicon roadmap for UMPC and MID shows a high level of integration using its 45nm process. At this time one cannot say just how Intel will use ARC or even if it will be for these products. Nevertheless, Semico sees a strong correlation between what ARC offers and what Intel looks to achieve in these new mobile platforms.