New-Tech Europe Digital Magazine | Feb 2016

based Single Board Computers (SBCs) are available in various performance and cost points. Rich operating systems, open source and proprietary, have become more accessible, and this has opened up embedded development to a wider range of developers. The software ecosystem for Cortex-A processor also includes support from the leading RTOS and embedded tools vendors. Their interest in Cortex-A is driven by demand from their customers, who want to take advantage of Cortex-A performance, compatibility, wide availability, and the benefits of multiple suppliers and price/performance points. Much has been said lately about 64- bit, which is driving in smartphone and open compute markets, however in embedded the majority of the software ecosystem is focused on 32-bit software. While there are some embedded applications that are moving to 64-bit, like high-end SBCs, NAS, and ADAS systems, many embedded applications are sticking with 32-bit to keep costs and complexity low. We can expect a significant number of embedded devices to remain 32-bit for the foreseeable future. We built the Cortex-A32 for embedded, first and foremost. Embedded is an exciting market and wanted to continue to processors that accelerate the innovation in this market. So, what benefits does the Cortex-A32 processor offer for rich embedded? Highlights of Cortex-A32 Processor

examples - industrial devices, smart watches, smart glasses, and a whole range of products for the home - from thermostats to media hubs. These devices all use Cortex-A, and deliver a richer experience to users. The rich embedded market is growing rapidly, fueled by two key drivers: a wide choice of affordable silicon platforms delivering low cost, and high performance the largest rich embedded software ecosystem Today, more than 100 Cortex-A

performance approaching that of smartphones and laptops, which of course Cortex-A processors can deliver. The rich embedded market is already well established. According to VDC estimates, ARM based devices occupy over 70% market share in the rich embedded segment (SoCs). Just like the embedded market as a whole, the rich embedded market is extremely diverse. There are many use cases, some high performance and others more cost and power sensitive. Let’s look at a few

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