The new product, based upon the popular Cortex(TM)-M3 processor, combines the proven security features of ARM SecurCore processors, currently the most widely-licensed 32-bit RISC CPU for smart cards worldwide, with the code efficiency of the Thumb(R)-2 instruction set architecture, doubling energy efficiency and performance.

With collaboration from three tier one contactless IC vendors, the SecurCore SC300 processor will enable more functionality to be embedded in a smart card or SIM card than ever before, with minimal additional silicon area. In addition, the SC300 processor features fast real-time handling of multiple interfaces for new high-speed and contactless applications, including Smart Card Web Server (SWCS) and Near Field Communication (NFC).

"From credit cards and electronic wallets, to mobile phone SIM cards, e-passports and identity cards, smart cards have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives," said Ian Drew, vice president, segment marketing, ARM. "As smart cards are required to support more complex applications and security features, the market will continue to shift from 8-bit to 32-bit processors. The SecurCore SC300 processor provides great system performance with very low power consumption, and vastly simplifies the migration to 32-bit smart card platforms through a familiar programming environment."

"SIM cards, identification projects and payment are the current drivers of the smart card markets in all regions. The demand for smart cards is also escalating due to demand from increasingly security-conscious government and enterprises," said Anoop Ubhey, global program director, smart cards, Frost & Sullivan. "Secure 32-bit platforms such as the ARM SecurCore SC300 processor are essential in enabling the growing level of sophistication in smart cards."

The SecurCore SC300 processor offers fully featured debug facilities and tools to help smart card OEMs speed software development. Further, smart card emulation is available prior to silicon, enabling collaboration in the early stages of hardware and software development, and accelerating time-to-market.

The ARM Cortex-M3 processor, which forms the foundation of the SecurCore SC300 processor, was specifically developed to target the low-cost requirements of a broad range of markets and applications where memory and processor size significantly impact device costs. The Cortex-M3 processor brings together multiple technologies to reduce memory size while delivering industry-leading performance in a small power efficient RISC core and delivers an ideal platform to accelerate the migration of thousands of applications around the globe from legacy components to 32-bit microcontrollers.

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