ARM Jazzes Up Java Support with Jazelle

By
iApplianceWeb
(04/27/01, 06:41:56 AM EDT)

ARM, a licenser of 16- and 32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor cores to semiconductor manufacturers, has expanded its support for Java with the introduction of its Jazelle technology. The first cores sporting Jazelle are the ARM926EJ-S soft macrocell and the ARM7EJ cores. Core licensees can use the Jazelle Technology Enabling Kit (JTEK), software that allows VM vendors and OS providers to exploit Java acceleration through Jazelle.

Jazelle employs both ARM and Java design advantages in Internet-enabled applications such as set-top boxes and wireless communications products. ARM's Jazelle technology enhances the core processor's ability to execute Java bytecodes by providing hardware acceleration of frequently executed bytecodes; less frequently executed bytecodes remain executed by unique software JVM emulation. ARM claims execution can be up to 95 percent faster than unassisted execution of Java bytecodes in some applications.

Jazelle-enabled single-core processors can lower system cost and raise performance with decreased power dissipation compared to systems relying on Java acceleration through coprocessors or dual-core processors.

The ARM Jazelle Technology Enabling Kit software consists of the necessary source code and a porting guide to assist in integration with the VM and OS. The JTEK is available for the Java KVM and CVM virtual machine technologies and can be ported to all popular operating systems, including Linux, PalmOS, ITRON, Symbian, and Windows CE.

A Jazelle Technology Pack will also be available as an add-on to the ARM Developer Suite (ADS). The kit enables Java debugging over a standard debug interface adhering to the Java Debug Wire Protocol (JDWP). This allows developers to use the Java technology development tools of their choice to create and debug their applications. Debugging support through the ARM Multi-ICE unit further expedites system software development.