IDG News Service reports that in next few weeks processor IP licensor Arm Holdings (www.arm.com) will unveil plans for processing cores that support 64-bit computing. According to sources close to the company, it has already shown samples at private viewings. This was revealed at Arm Technology Conference in Taipei, reports IDG news.

Semiconductor giant Intel has been offering 64-bit processors for sometime now for servers, desktops and mobile computers. Likewise, Advanced Micro Devices has also been in this fray as 64-bit is mainstream capability in servers and supercomputers today. As per Wikipedia, 64-bit CPUs have existed in supercomputers since the 1970s and in RISC based workstations and servers since the early 1990s. In 2003, they were introduced to the (previously 32bit) mainstream PCs, in the form of x86-64 and 64-bit PowerPC processor architectures.

Recently, ARM released its latest 32-bit processor, the Cortex A15 running at up to 2.5 GHz. Touted as a highly scalable solution within constantly shrinking energy, thermal and cost budgets, Cortex-A15 processor is designed for manufacture in 32 nm, 28 nm, and smaller future process geometries.

The next move is 64-bit. ARM is now getting ready to unwrap 64-bit capability in next generation Cortex processors, according to IDG News report. And it could happen soon.

To enter servers, supercomputers and other high end computing applications, the company has to migrate to 64-bit computing. In fact, according to analysts, ARM’s move to 64-bit processing cores will enable its customers and partners to design chips for the high end markets, which include servers and supercomputers. In essence, it will open a new front for its partners.

Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Chris DiMarco