Arm Unveils New Chip IP: Blackhawk, Cortex-A725

On May 29, Arm unveiled its latest advancements in CPU and GPU IP based on the Arm v9 architecture, alongside new design software tools aimed at enhancing AI capabilities in smartphones and accelerating the deployment of AI applications.

Arm architecture is widely used in global smartphone processors from leading companies such as Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, and is progressively expanding into personal computers and data centers. The new CPU and GPU designs are optimized for AI workloads, and the new software tools facilitate the efficient execution of AI code, including chatbots, on Arm chips.

The Arm v9 architecture CPU lineup now includes several key additions: the Cortex-X925 "Blackhawk" super-core CPU, an iteration of the Cortex-X4; the Cortex-A725 large-core CPU for sustained high performance; and an updated Cortex-A520 designed for optimal energy efficiency under light workloads. Furthermore, Arm has enhanced the DynamIQ Shared Unit (DSU-120) to offer lower power consumption and reduced area in Arm v9.2 CPU cluster configurations. All these innovations are integrated into the new Arm Client Compute Subsystem (CSS), Arm's fastest-ever Android computing platform.

The Cortex-X925 "Blackhawk" architecture delivers a 36% improvement in single-thread peak performance and a 46% enhancement in AI performance compared to the Cortex-X4, while also achieving superior power efficiency. This ensures peak performance when needed, enhancing user experience. The Cortex-X925 features an improved microarchitecture with up to 3MB of dedicated L2 cache and is compatible with 3nm process technology. Arm reports successful tape-out of the Cortex-X925 on the 3nm node with its partners, with mass production-ready chip solutions available to reduce development and deployment times.

The Cortex-A725 CPU architecture offers a 35% improvement in performance efficiency and a 25% boost in energy efficiency over its predecessor, the Cortex-A720, and will also be built on the 3nm process.

Additionally, Arm has introduced new designs based on its fifth-generation GPU architecture, including the Immortalis-G925 GPU, Mali-G725 GPU, and Mali-G625 GPU.