ARM has teamed up with Philips Electronics business unit Handshake Solutions to develop a 'breakthrough' low-power processor.

The ARM processor will incorporate Handshake Solutions' low-power Handshake Technology, a methodology for using self-timed circuitry in commercial applications.

The compact asynchronous chip is being designed for use in smartcard, consumer electronics and automotive markets because of its very low-power consumption and low electromagnetic interference.

Compliant with the ARMv5TE architecture, the processor is optimised for use in both synchronous and asynchronous system-on-chip designs. Its key benefits include low electromagnetic emission - reducing the probability of interfering with sensitive circuitry - and low peak currents, which reduce system power requirements.

Because asynchronous processors consume zero dynamic power when there is no activity they can significantly extend battery life, said ARM.

The partnership provides Handshake Solutions with a licence to develop the processor implementation using its design flow and methodology which has been widely used for more than five years in products including smartcards, advanced pagers, in-vehicle network transceivers, and cordless handsets.

Mike Inglis, executive vice president of marketing at ARM, said: "Our partnership with Handshake Solutions will enable new ultra-low power applications in the smartcard, consumer electronics and automotive markets, while preserving the easy integration common to all ARM processors."