ARM processor targets 5G modems, mass storage devices

ARM has unveiled the Cortex-R8 processor that the company said will allow chip designers to double the performance of ARM-based modem and mass storage device SoCs. The real-time CPU claims to provide the low latency, high performance and power efficiency needed by future 5G modems and mass storage devices.

A quad-core configuration dramatically boosts the total Cortex-R8 performance, which when combined with its real time features and extended low-latency memory makes Cortex-R8 the highest performing processor in its class.

"The ARM architecture is the trusted standard for real-time high-performance processing in modems," said Daniel Diao, deputy general manager, Turing Processor Business Unit, Huawei. "As a leader in cellular technology, Huawei is already working on 5G solutions and we welcome the significant performance uplift the Cortex-R8 will deliver. We expect it to be widely deployed in any device where low latency and high performance communication is a critical success factor."

ARM silicon partners have already begun design work. SoCs based on the Cortex-R8 targeting the mass storage market segment are likely to be available in 2016. Modem designs using Cortex-R8 processors will support the rollout of the LTE-Advanced Pro and 5G standards. The Cortex-R8 is also compatible with existing software so design cycles will be reduced, allowing developers to extend their real-time product ranges based on a single CPU architecture.

The processor is available for licensing and silicon is expected in 2016.