AMBA: enabling reusable on-chip designs

In 1995, Advanced RISC Machines released its Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture in response to input from key semiconductor licensees. AMBA´s goal is to help designers of embedded CPU systems meet challenges like design for low power consumption and test access. Because input for AMBA came from designers of ARM-based microprocessors, ARM was also able to develop a solid design rationale and evolve an architectural design that would address the most common problems. This article describes some of AMBA´s design methodology and provides a set of specifications that will aid designers in making detailed comparisons with other buses. AMBA defines both a bus specification and a technology-independent methodology for designing, implementing, and testing customized, high-integration embedded controllers