Chipmaker ARM announced the new Cortex-A32 processor designed specifically for wearables, IoT devices and SoC boards such as the Raspberry Pi.

Improving on the Cortex-A5 and Cortex-A7 processors, which are already used in a variety of embedded applications such as connected cars and wearables, the Cortex-A32 is a 32-bit processor built on the ARMv8-A architecture and promises 25 percent more power efficiency than the Cortex-A7 while delivering higher performance.

The Cortex-A32 supports single- to quad-core configurations. This allows a range of uses, from basic compute devices through to IoT gateways and powerful edge devices.

The Cortex-A32 also includes ARM’s TrustZone technology, providing robust security for devices such as premium smartphones.

“The Cortex-A32 processor, enabled with secure ARM TrustZone technology, builds on the trail blazed by the Cortex-A5 and Cortex-A7 processors in embedded applications such as single-board computing, IoT edge nodes and wearables," ARM CPU group general manager James McNiven said.

“It brings greater performance, efficiency and other benefits of the ARMv8-A architecture for ARM’s silicon partners to innovate on for richer, more secure embedded systems.”

ARM, HPE forge Industrial IoT partnership

ARM has also announced a collaboration with HPE to accelerate IoT deployments by enabling greater device interoperability.

Using ARM’s mbed IoT Device Platform connectivity solutions, the companies hope to enable devices that are centrally identifiable, accessible and manageable for various applications such as industrial automation, smart cities, environmental monitoring and smart lighting.

“Our IoT technology partnership with ARM can revolutionise connectivity moving forward,” HPE's vice president of communications and media solutions Dave Sliter said.

“The collaboration has the potential to bring new IoT solutions to market quickly and accelerate adoption in the enterprise of smart connected technologies.”