ARM Ltd is a British multinational semiconductor and software design company. The spelling of the word "ARM" is [ɑːm], with an "AR" sound, similar to "art" or "car", followed by an "M" sound. The acronym "Ltd" stands for "Limited," which is pronounced as [ˈlɪmɪtɪd], with the stress on the first syllable. ARM Ltd is known for designing microprocessors used in smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices, and has become one of the leading technology companies in the world.
ARM Ltd, or simply ARM, is a British multinational semiconductor and software design company that specializes in the design and development of microprocessor architecture. Founded in 1990, ARM has become one of the leading companies in the field of technology, particularly in the mobile and embedded systems industry.
ARM is renowned for its development of the ARM architecture, which serves as the foundation for designing efficient and power-saving microprocessors used in various electronic devices. The company licenses its processor designs to numerous semiconductor manufacturers who integrate them into their own chips, utilizing the ARM instruction set architecture (ISA). This approach has enabled ARM to establish a dominant position in the mobile computing market, with its processors powering a wide range of tablets, smartphones, and wearable devices.
ARM's success lies in its focus on low-power consumption, high performance, and versatility, which allows for the efficient operation of battery-powered mobile devices. Its architecture is known for its reduced instruction set computing (RISC) design, which simplifies instruction execution and enhances processing speed. Furthermore, ARM's designs provide a high level of scalability, enabling manufacturers to create energy-efficient microprocessors for various applications.
The company supports a vibrant ecosystem of semiconductor partners, software developers, and system designers who leverage ARM's technology to create innovative and diverse products. ARM's influence extends beyond mobile devices, as its processors are used in a multitude of applications such as automotive electronics, IoT devices, smart TVs, and industrial equipment.
With its commitment to technological advancement and collaboration, ARM continues to shape the future of computing by providing revolutionary architectures and intellectual property that pave the way for faster, more efficient, and increasingly connected devices.
The word "ARM Ltd" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the company's original name, "Acorn RISC Machine", which later became "Advanced RISC Machines", and eventually, simply "ARM". The "RISC" stands for "Reduced Instruction Set Computer", which refers to the type of computer architecture developed by the company. The name change to "ARM Ltd" occurred in 1998 when the company converted from a partnership to a joint stock company. "Ltd" is the abbreviation for "Limited", indicating that it is a limited liability company.