ARM Processor The History of ARM ARM was established in November 1990 as Advanced RISC Machines Ltd., a UK-based joint venture between Apple Computer, Acorn Computer Group and VLSI Technology. Apple and VLSI both provided funding, while Acorn supplied the technology and ARM's 12 founding engineers. Acorn, developer of the world's first commercial single-chip RISC processor, and Apple, intent on advancing the use of RISC technology in its own systems, chartered ARM with creating a new microprocessor standard. ARM immediately differentiated itself in the market by creating the first low-cost RISC architecture. Conversely, competing architectures, which were more commonly focused on maximizing performance, were first used in high-end workstations. With the introduction of its first embedded RISC core, the ARM6™ family of processors, in 1991, ARM signed VLSI as its initial licensee. One year later, Sharp and GEC Plessey entered into licensing agreements, with Texas Instruments and Cirrus Logic following suit in 1993.Over the years, ARM has significantly expanded both its IP portfolio and its licensee base. The ARM processor today ARM is the number one semiconductor IP supplier in the world, emerged as a pre-eminent force in the semiconductor revolution. When ARM pioneered the concept of openly-licensable IP for the development of 32-bit RISC microprocessor-based SoCs in the early 1990s, it changed the dynamics of the semiconductor industry forever. Not only do ARM cores offer an unrivalled combination of advanced logic, robust functionality, energy efficiency and low cost, but their simpler designs enable easy integration - a major factor in a climate that requires semiconductor companies to get their products to market as quickly as possible. In addition, their superior code densities allow for reduced memory and consequently, lower system costs. ARM has shaped a new era of next-generation electronics: ARM Powered® microprocessors are pervasive in the electronic products we use, driving key functions in a variety of applications in diverse markets, including automotive, consumer entertainment, imaging, microcontrollers, networking, storage, security and wireless