To meet the demand for more powerful and energy efficient processors, ARM began developing its ARMv8-A architecture in 2007. First announced in November 2011, the cumulative 50 licenses are now spread across ARMv8-A architecture and ARM Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A53 processors. Having signed more than 1100 license agreements for its processor designs, ARM is working with around 350 international firms producing silicon chips for a range of devices from sensors to servers.
“ARMv8-A technology brings multiple benefits, including 64-bit capability alongside improved efficiency of existing 32-bit applications,” said Noel Hurley, General Manager, Processor Division, ARM. “Tablets and smartphones are quickly replacing PCs for many tasks and the ARMv8-A Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A53-based chips developed by our Partners support this transition with important enhancements in performance and efficiency. These ARMv8-A platforms are also fully backward compatible and will efficiently execute over a million 32-bit apps and extensive software assets already in use.”