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Chip makers are racing to move to smaller circuit sizes to cut production costs and lower energy usage, but the shift is exposing them to huge initial costs.

As a result a number of consortiums have sprung up to share the costs, with UK-based ARM joining luminaries including AMD, Samsung, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Infineon Technologies and Freescale Semiconductor.

ARM will be working on a 32nm and 28nm systems on a chip (SoCs) design platform, developing the logic, memory and interface products for the chipmaking alliance.

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

"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."