Huawei’s IC design capabilities under threat as ARM cuts ties

IC designer ARM suspended all business with Huawei, reports the BBC based on a memo to ARM staff it obtained. According to the document, ARM’s designs contain technology that originates in the United States, which is why the company believes it needs to comply with the ban that the Trump administration instated earlier this week.

The ban forced key technology suppliers such as Google, Intel and other chipmakers to cut off ties with Huawei. The Chinese telecom company responded, saying it would develop its own software and source more chips from its subsidiary Hisilicon. The latter’s designs are based on ARM’s blueprints, however.