Is the Annual HiSilicon Huawei Kirin Chip a Result of Design Copying and Reinvention of ARM?

The annual HiSilicon Huawei Kirin chip is often misunderstood as a result of design copying and reinvention of ARM. However, this is not the case. Instead, it is a legitimate use and enhancement of the ARM architecturewith significant contributions from HiSilicon's own innovation and customization efforts. Let's delve into the details.

Understanding ARM and HiSilicon

ARM Architecture

ARM Holdings designs the architecture for processors used in many devices, from smartphones to servers. ARM does not manufacture the chips themselves; instead, they license their designs to other companies. These companies then use the ARM architecture as the foundation for creating their own custom chips. Apple, Samsung, and HiSilicon are among the many companies that utilize this licensing model.

HiSilicon and Huawei

HiSilicon is a subsidiary of Huawei and is responsible for developing its own chips, including the Kirin series. They legally license the technology from ARM, allowing them to design and manufacture their own chips based on the ARM architecture.

How Kirin Chips are Made

Licensing

HiSilicon pays for the right to use ARM’s designs. This is a common practice among many tech companies, including Apple and Samsung. This licensing ensures that the chips designed by HiSilicon are based on a trusted and widely-used architecture, providing a solid foundation for further customization and improvement.

Customization

While the core architecture is based on ARM, HiSilicon adds its own enhancements and optimizations. These include integrating advanced features such as improved AI processing, better graphics performance, and efficient power management. This customization process allows HiSilicon to tailor the chips to meet Huawei's specific needs and provide a competitive advantage in the market.

Not Copying but Innovating

Innovation

HiSilicon's team works on innovating and improving the basic ARM designs to meet Huawei's specific requirements. They add unique features and capabilities that set their chips apart from those designed by other companies. For example, the Kirin chips often incorporate advanced AI and machine learning features, which are not found in standard ARM designs.

Legal and Ethical

Since HiSilicon uses ARM's technology under a proper licensing agreement, their work is both legal and ethical. They respect the intellectual property rights of ARM while contributing to the global technology landscape with their own innovations.

Conclusion

The Kirin chips by HiSilicon Huawei are a product of licensed use of ARM's architecture combined with significant in-house innovation and enhancement. This approach allows HiSilicon to create powerful and efficient processors legally and ethically, leveraging the strengths of ARM’s foundational designs while adding unique advancements that set them apart in the market.