Optimised reference implementation available for ARM Cortex-A73 processor

This takes advantage of the latest features in Synopsys Design Compiler Graphical technology, IC Compiler II place and route system and other tools from the Galaxy Design Platform, resulting in a step-change in design productivity and optimised performance, power and area.

James McNiven, General Manager, CPU and Media Processing Groups, ARM, commented: "Our new premium mobile suite, including Cortex-A73 and Mali-G71, targets virtual reality, augmented reality and 4K video applications that demand the highest levels of sustained peak performance and efficiency. Our early collaboration with Synopsys has enabled our mutual partners to take advantage of the latest features from the Galaxy Design Platform to achieve the performance, power and area required for next-gen flagship mobile devices."

Early adopters of ARM's new premium mobile CPU IP can achieve excellent PPA results by utilising key features from the Synopsys Galaxy Design Platform that are included in the quad core Reference Implementation for Cortex-A73:

• Multibit register inference and placement-awareness in Design Compiler Graphical significantly reduces power and congestion and improves turnaround time up to 20%;
• Layer-awareness, concurrent clock and data optimisation and advanced routing options available in IC Compiler II minimise signal-integrity effects and provide a frequency boost;
• Advanced parametric on chip variation analysis during synthesis, place and route and signoff for best timing and power;
• PrimeTime timing and leakage engineering change order flows with IC Compiler II results in 20% better power without sacrificing performance;
• Comprehensive hierarchical flow support throughout for fast implementation;
• UPF power intent for optimal power management implementation and verification of the multi-voltage reference design; and
• Comprehensive multi-corner, multi-mode optimisation and signoff analysis.

Early adopters of ARM's new premium mobile platform are also taking advantage of Synopsys' verification solutions, including:

• Synopsys Virtualizer Development Kit (VDK) family for ARM processors includes an ARM Fast Model for Cortex-A73;
• Customers are also successfully using Synopsys' HAPS FPGA-based prototypes with both Cortex-A73 and Mali-G71; and
• Synopsys VC verification IP for the ARM AMBA protocol provides support for the ARM CoreLink CCI-550 cache coherent interconnect and includes system level test-suites, a system monitor, protocol-aware debug and performance measurement capabilities.

"Synopsys and ARM have been collaborating for more than 20 years to deliver optimised design solutions and enable mutual customer success. Our collaboration on ARM's new Cortex-A73 processor and Mali-G71 graphics cores enables our mutual customers to take advantage of innovative and stand-out features delivered by the tools in the Galaxy Design Platform to achieve industry-leading PPA targets for their premium designs," added Antun Domic, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Synopsys Design Group.

Synopsys customers may download the Reference Implementation for the ARM Cortex-A73 CPU, as well as RIs for other ARM cores, here. The VDK for ARM processors, including the ARM Fast Model for Cortex-A73 is also available. HAPS FPGA-based prototyping systems supporting the ARM Cortex-A73 processor and the Mali-G71 GPU are available now. Synopsys VC verification IP for the ARM AMBA standard with support for CoreLink CCI-550 cache-coherent interconnect is available. Synopsys also offers experienced, expert professional services to help designers achieve their design targets with ARM processors.