GLOBALFOUNDRIES, at its annual GTC 2018 conference, signed a collaboration agreement with Imagination Technologies. The two companies will jointly provide ultra-low-power baseband and RF solutions for Bluetooth LE and IEEE 802.15.4 technology, using Imagination’s Ensigma connectivity IP on GF’s 22nm FD-SOI (22FDX) platform. In addition, Imagination also joined GF’s FDXcelerator Partner Program.
The combination of 22FDX technology and Imagination's Ensigma IP provides a power and cost efficient solution that customers can easily integrate into their System on Chip (SoC) designs. The collaboration will enable mutual customers to create innovative and differentiated connected devices for the Internet of Things (IoT) using Imagination's silicon-proven, ultra-low power Ensigma connectivity engines in GF's ultra-efficient 22FDX process.
The Ensigma IP for 22FDX provides a complete IP solution consisting of the analog RF/AFE as a hard macro complete with a fully synthesizable baseband IP for applications such as wearable computing, health care, and home control. The solution for ultra-low power Bluetooth Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4 is currently in development with lead customers, with silicon available in early Q4 2018.
As a part of GF's FDXcelerator Program, Imagination will join the rapidly-growing number of industry leaders committed to provide a broad set of resources, including EDA tools, IP, silicon platforms, reference designs, design services and packaging and test solutions specific to 22FDX technology. The program's open framework enables members to minimize development time and cost while simultaneously leveraging the inherent power and performance advantages of FDX technology.
The Ensigma Bluetooth Low Energy / IEEE 802.15.4 baseband and RF IP is available for immediate licensing.
