ARM Extends Software Interface Standard with DSP Library


December 13, 2010 -- ARM today announced the availability of Version 2.0 of the ARM . The enhanced version of the vendor-independent hardware-abstraction layer contains extensions for the Cortex-M4 processor and includes the CMSIS-DSP (digital signal processing) library of optimized signal processing algorithms.

The CMSIS-DSP library includes vector operations, matrix computing, complex arithmetic, filter functions, control functions, PID controller, Fourier transforms and many other frequently used DSP algorithms. Most algorithms are available in floating-point and various fixed-point formats and are optimized for the Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processors. The Cortex-M4 implementation uses the ARM DSP SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) instruction set and floating-point hardware to fully enable the capabilities of the Cortex-M4 processor for signal processing algorithms. The optimized CMSIS-DSP library is written entirely in C and is delivered with source code enabling software programmers to adapt algorithms for specific application requirements.

"The CMSIS-DSP library extends the application range of Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processor-based microcontrollers into high-performance, low power signal processing," said Reinhard Keil, Director of MCU Tools, ARM. "The Cortex-M4 version of the library uses instruction set extensions to boost execution speed by a factor of two for fixed-point and a factor of ten for floating-point DSP algorithms. The standardization of the optimized CMSIS-DSP library reduces software development costs and provides the ARM ecosystem with a foundation for filter design utilities and other high-level DSP development tools."

About CMSIS

The ARM Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) is a vendor-independent hardware abstraction layer for the Cortex-M processor series. CMSIS enables consistent and simple software interfaces for peripherals and real-time operating systems, simplifying software re-use, reducing the learning curve for new microcontroller developers and reducing the time to market for new devices.About ARM

"This new version of CMSIS provides users with a good way to take advantage of the powerful signal processing capabilities of the latest ARM Cortex-M cores," said Mark Mitchell, Chief Sourcerer, CodeSourcery (now part of Mentor Graphics Embedded Software Division). "In partnership with ARM, we implemented support for Cortex-M in preparation for launch of the first Cortex-M3 CPUs."

"ARM's CMSIS library nicely complements TI's StellarisWare software and IQmath library to enable developers to quickly and easily reap fixed- and floating-point benefits," said Jean Anne Booth, Director of WW Stellaris marketing, Texas Instruments, Inc. "The new CMSIS extensions provide a good starting point for developers working to integrate basic signal processing into their applications."

Availability

CMSIS 2.0, including the CMSIS-DSP Library is available from www.onARM.com, a website providing a comprehensive resource for embedded developers.


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