ARM has become the latest company to join an IBM project to develop 32nm and 28nm chips.

The UK mobile chip firm will undertake much of the early design for a set of system-on-a-chip (SoC) products for chips manufactured under the 32nm and 28nm fabrication processes.

ARM will oversee the development of logic and memory circuitry elements for the chips. The actual silicon manufacturing of the chips will be conducted by IBM, Samsung and Chartered Semiconductor as part of the 'Common Platform' series.

"Through this early engagement, we are creating the foundation for designing power efficient ARM SoCs for customers of the Common Platform," said ARM chief executive Warren East.

"By utilising the strength of our advanced microprocessors, our leadership in physical IP design and advanced technology supported by the Common Platform, customers can accelerate the release of products for electronic devices that service a broad range of consumer applications."

The deal makes ARM the latest in a growing group of companies seeking to create 32nm chips to compete with those from Intel.

The companies are seeking to pool their resources in order to offset the huge research and development costs of the project.

IBM is heading up other 32nm projects with companies including BASF, NEC and Intel's chief rival, AMD. Big Blue hopes to introduce the first chips by 2010.