CAMBRIDGE, England, May 6 /PRNewswire/ --

- Support for the Microsoft Extended Debugging Interface (eXDI) in ARM RealView ICE Significantly Improves Visibility and Control of any ARM Processor-Based Platform Being Used for Windows Embedded CE Operating System Development

ARM ((LSE:ARM) (Nasdaq:ARMH)) today announced that working in collaboration with Microsoft, the ARM(R) RealView(R) ICE tool, a member of the RealView family of development tools, will enable enhanced hardware-assisted debug for the Microsoft Visual Studio software development tool . The Extended Debugging Interface (eXDI) drivers developed by ARM for the RealView ICE unit enables Windows Embedded CE operating system developers to immediately take advantage of the extended debug capabilities enabled by the ICE unit to gain full visibility and control of the ARM processor-based hardware.

"By leveraging the RealView ICE unit for hardware assisted debug from the Microsoft Visual Studio debug environment, our customers now have an increased level of debug visibility," said Kim Chau, Silicon Vendor Partner Marketing manager, Windows Embedded Business, Microsoft Corp. "Coupling ARM's expertise on silicon, tools and technologies with Microsoft's Windows Embedded CE is a natural fit that enables our mutual customers to reduce both time-to-market and overall project risk."

The RealView ICE unit connects to the Microsoft Visual Studio IDE through the eXDI adaptation layer and a GUI extension is provided enabling access to additional debug functions and the ARM processor features. The unique combination of the RealView ICE unit with the Microsoft software development tools enables the Windows Embedded CE operating system to be downloaded and brought up over an industry -standard JTAG connection, prior to any functional Ethernet or serial communication port implementation. The additional ability to directly control the processor core during the hardware bring-up enables debug to commence even before the kernel starts.

"Customers wanted the in-depth visibility of the ARM processor combined with the familiarity of the Microsoft development tools for the Windows Embedded CE operating system to enable fast time-to-market for highly-differentiated products," said Mark Onions, director of Marketing, System Design Division, ARM. "The comprehensive support for all ARM processors and the RealView ICE unit's unique ability to be plugged into a tool chain of choice enables silicon providers and OEMs to immediately benefit from the reduced project risk and maximized tools investment.

About RealView ICE

The ARM RealView ICE unit provides a leading-edge JTAG run-control solution for the connection and control of silicon (or hardware emulations of silicon) and the development of software. This essential product enables access and control of the inner-most functions of the processor core for optimal software debug and test, significantly improving application time-to-market and ensuring the highest degree of software quality.

The RealView ICE unit delivers the performance required by today's developers of sophisticated system-on-chip (SoC) devices and embedded system software for all ARM processors and ARM CoreSight(TM) debug technology. The product provides a universal-ARM solution, i.e. one unit supports all ARM processors in single, multi-core, homogenous and heterogeneous architectures, offering an unparalleled depth and breadth of support for ARM processor-based devices.

Availability

ARM RealView ICE eXDI2 software for use with Microsoft Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0 is available now and support for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 will be available in Q2 2008, free-of-charge via electronic download from the ARM website.

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com

ARM and RealView are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. CoreSight is a trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries: ARM, Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan Limited; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc.; ARM Germany GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Norway, AS.

Contact Details: ARM PRESS OFFICE: +44-208-846-0797, Starlayne Meza, Text 100, +1-415-593-8431, starm@text100.com; Michelle Spencer, ARM, +44-1628-427-780, michelle.spencer@arm.com