ARM Teams With GlobalFoundries for 28nm

Get ready for some really wild ARM chips.

ARM, the big name in mobile chips, today announced a long-term strategic relationship with GlobalFoundries for processor implementation and circuit optimization.

The partnership will focus on an System-on-Chip enablement program that's built around ARM Physical IP, Fabric IP and Processor IP that will combine with GlobalFoundries’ most advanced High-K Metal Gate  semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

The effort between the two companies will first focus on the ARM Cortex-A9 using a 28nm HKMG process – a process that GlobalFoundries says is a 28nm “Gate First” HKMG technology that is optimized for high performance processing with minimal leakage. This makes it well-suited for mobile solutions such as handsets, smartphones, e-readers and MIDs.

“This announcement reflects our business value and strategy of providing best in class processor implementation by marrying our own processor and physical IP with world class manufacturing semiconductor technology,” said Warren East, chief executive officer, ARM.  “This collaboration with GlobalFoundries and their commitment to delivering leading edge technology makes them an ideal partner to accelerate the adoption of ARM processor based technology at 28nm.”

The currently existing ARM Cortex-A8 is used in the Apple iPhone 3GS and Palm Pre.