About Us
Austin Research Laboratory (ARL) was first created to explore the usage and expansion of microprocessor research through the growing technology market of Austin, Texas. The lab's original focus centered heavily on high-speed microprocessors, with emphasis on very fast circuit families and computer-aided design tools to support complex and high performance microarchitectures. Since our founding in 1995, ARL has not only maintained its edge in these areas, but broadened its concentration to include software and hardware systems. We now also work on high-speed communication chips, formal verification, distributed systems software, innovative cooling technologies, low power microprocessors, systems management, and performance evaluation. Our successes illustrate the wide range of research topics undertaken at ARL, such as the first 1 GHz processor prototype, its successor Rivina, the ACES circuit simulation tool, and the Intel-based 16-way NUMA system.
Major achievements in research have often occurred in response to strong relationship between vital developmental and exploratory partnerships. ARL seeks to expand on this concept through community and educational involvement. In addition to over fifty regular employees, ARL is supplemented by contractors, assignees, interns and summer students throughout the year. Our interns and graduate students work on a variety of projects essential to the advancement of ARL research. Further, the Austin Center for Advanced Studies (ACAS) aims to bridge the gap between industry's new technological requirements and the potentially innovative discoveries od the academic environment, thereby enabling the learning process for both centers to continue year-round.
By facilitating and strengthening these connections, ARL aims to meet the research needs of the "silicon hills" industry. ARL is positioned just fifteen minutes from the University of Texas campus, a wonderful location for collaboration and cooperation within the technological world. Through our close relations with the University of Texas, Rice University, and Texas A&M University, ARL continues to have an impact on both commercial development and systems technology research. In doing so, ARL creates a vital center of academic and corporate integration for the continued success and future of IBM Research.
