GlobalFoundries, a global semiconductor foundry company, is accelerating its attack on the physical AI market by acquiring Synopsys' ARC processor IP solutions division. The acquisition will significantly strengthen GlobalFoundries' custom silicon capabilities, including the ARC processor family as well as related engineering and design personnel.

GlobalFoundries announced on the 16th that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Synopsys' ARC Processor IP Solutions business unit in Malta, New York, USA.

This agreement is seen as a strategic decision to accelerate the physical AI roadmap being pursued by GlobalFoundries and its subsidiary MIPS.

The acquisition target includes Synopsys' representative processor IP lineup, including △ARC-V △ARC-Classic △ARC VPX-DSP △ARC NPX NPU.

Additionally, the ASIP Designer and ASIP Programmer tools for developing application-specific instruction sets (ASIPs) will also be acquired.

Upon completion of the acquisition, the assets and professional staff will be integrated into MIPS, a subsidiary of GlobalFoundries.

This will enable GlobalFoundries to build a comprehensive processor IP portfolio optimized for physical AI applications, significantly reducing customers' time-to-market.

Synopsis ARC technology is well known for providing a wide spectrum from high-performance computing to ultra-low-power AI cores.

GlobalFoundries plans to combine its ARC-based technology with MIPS' RISC-V capabilities to secure competitiveness in various markets such as wearables, robotics, AI home appliances, and advanced AI semiconductors.

In particular, ARC's scalable structure and energy efficiency are essential elements for implementing physical AI, and through this acquisition, GlobalFoundries can lead the trend of AI expanding into the physical world. The foundation has been laid.

“This acquisition sends a strong message that GlobalFoundries will solidify its leadership in physical AI,” said Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries. “By combining ARC IP, MIPS technology, and our manufacturing capabilities, we will lower the barriers to entry for customers to more easily deploy next-generation computing and AI applications.”

He added, “As AI technology expands into the physical world, GlobalFoundries will position itself as a company that provides end-to-end solutions.”

Synopsis plans to maintain its existing extensive design IP portfolio, including logic libraries, embedded memory, interface IP, security IP, and subsystems, even after the sale of the ARC division.

“This transaction will allow Synopsys to focus on strengthening its leadership in core interface and foundation IP,” said Sassine Ghazi, President and CEO of Synopsys. “GlobalFoundries is the optimal partner to lead our Processor IP business, ensuring that our global customers continue to benefit from a healthy competitive environment.”