Understanding ARM Processors from Cortex-M to Cortex-A

Understanding ARM Processors from Cortex-M to Cortex-A

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Understanding ARM Processors from Cortex-M to Cortex-A

ARM processors are widely used – from sensors to servers.

ARM is a leading supplier of microprocessor technology in the industry, offering the broadest range of microprocessor cores to meet performance, power consumption, and cost requirements across nearly all application markets.

ARM’s technology combines a vibrant ecosystem with over 1000 partners providing chips, development tools, and software, along with over 90 billion processors. ARM’s technology is at the core of the computing and connectivity revolution, changing how people live and operate their businesses.

Next, let’s explore the series of processors from Cortex-M to Cortex-A. For more details, please refer to:

https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu

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1ARM Processors

Currently, ARM processors are divided into 5 categories: Cortex-A, Cortex-R, Cortex-M, Machine Learning, SecurCore. Most of us have heard of the first three, see the image below:

Understanding ARM Processors from Cortex-M to Cortex-A

2Cortex-A Advanced Processors

1.Cortex-A5

Customizable processor that delivers high performance in low power configurations

  • Scalable versatility for cost-sensitive low-power applications

  • Configurable options provide rich OS support for minimal devices

  • Complete Armv7-A architecture for one-third the area and power of Cortex-A9

2.Cortex-A7

Minimum, lowest power processor for 32-bit

  • Armv7-A extensions provide enhanced hardware virtualization

  • Memory performance improved by 20% compared to previous generations

  • Supports 32-bit, rich operating systems including Linux

3.Cortex-A9

Multi-core processor optimized for performance and power

  • Suitable for low power, cost-sensitive 32-bit devices

  • Can be used as a single core or in clusters of up to four processors

  • Established a solid foundation in various process technologies

4.Cortex-A15

Designed for a variety of 32-bit applications requiring high performance

  • The first Armv7-A core to support virtualization

  • Uses a 32-bit out-of-order pipeline to eliminate code dependencies

  • Fine-grained power control ensures exceptional efficiency

5.Cortex-A17

Low-cost processor with no compromise on performance

  • High-end features suitable for various consumer electronics

  • Compatibility with big.LITTLE provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness

  • Delivers the highest performance of the Armv7-A software ecosystem

6.Cortex-A32

Smallest and lowest power Armv8-A processor

  • Advanced power management features with idle power management

  • Can be used as a single core or in clusters of up to four processors

  • Reasonable choice for embedded and IoT markets

7.Cortex-A35

ARM’s smallest and most energy-efficient application processor

  • Power management features reduce power consumption budgets

  • Supports 64-bit processing for embedded applications

  • Ideal processor for IoT nodes and gateways

8.Cortex-A53

The most widely used processor, balancing performance and efficiency

  • High single-threaded and FPU / NEON performance options

  • Supports a variety of applications including automotive and networking

  • The most widely deployed 64-bit Armv8-A processor

9.Cortex-A55

The most efficient mid-range processor

  • Flexible design meets a wide range of market application needs

  • Suitable for small devices in constrained environments

  • Designed for compatibility with DynamIQ configurations

10.Cortex-A57

Supports various applications requiring high-performance processing

  • Uses a triple-issue out-of-order pipeline to eliminate code dependencies

  • Cryptographic extensions can accelerate the processing of cryptographic instructions

  • Prefetching capabilities provide better memory flow performance

11.Cortex-A72

Fast processing improves the efficiency of mobile applications

  • Advanced branch predictors reduce wasted energy consumption

  • Significant advantages in reducing memory requirements

  • Suitable for implementation in arm big.LITTLE configurations

12.Cortex-A73

The most energy-efficient processor in the Cortex-A series

  • Power efficiency improved by 30% compared to previous generations

  • The smallest Armv8-A processor

  • Designed for mobile and consumer applications

13.Cortex-A75

The first high-performance CPU based on DynamIQ

  • Flexible architecture provides a broad support ecosystem

  • Can execute up to three instructions in parallel per clock cycle

  • Wide range of market applications covering smartphones, servers, automotive applications, etc.

14.Cortex-A76

Second-generation high-performance CPU based on DynamIQ, providing laptop-level performance and smartphone efficiency

  • Designed for devices executing complex computational tasks

  • Higher single-threaded performance and greater energy efficiency

  • Provides faster response times and optimal support for machine learning applications

3Cortex-R Real-time Performance Processors

1.Cortex-R4

The smallest real-time performance processor

  • Provides exceptional energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness

  • Prioritizes reliability and error management through built-in error handling

  • Suitable for embedded applications including automotive and cameras

2.Cortex-R5

Provides seamless real-time performance and functional safety

  • Dual-core configuration performance is twice that of previous Cortex-R processors

  • Ideal for developing safety-critical products

  • Commonly used in high-volume deeply embedded SoC applications

3.Cortex-R7

High-performance processor suitable for 4G modems and storage applications

  • The first Cortex-R processor with integrated GIC and SCU

  • Provides real-time processing throughput for wireless modems

  • Ensures hard error handling

4.Cortex-R8

Highest performance in LTE and 5G modem categories

  • Provides low latency

  • Configurable ports support flexible design options

  • Provides the responsiveness required for high-performance large-capacity storage applications

5.Cortex-R52

Advanced functional safety processor

  • Provides advanced safety features for various automotive applications

  • Software separation protects safety-critical code

  • High-performance multicore clusters provide real-time response

4Cortex-M Microcontrollers

1.Cortex-M0

Compact ARM processor

  • Licensing available for free through DesignStart

  • Very suitable for smart sensors and mixed-signal systems on chip (SoC)

  • Three highly optimized low-power modes

2.Cortex-M0 +

The smallest and lowest power processor in Cortex-M

  • 8-bit processor cost, 32-bit processor performance

  • Three highly optimized low-power modes save energy

  • Most commonly used in wearable healthcare, fitness, etc.

3.Cortex-M3

Outstanding 32-bit performance and low power

  • Licensing available for free through DesignStart

  • Commonly used in many smart home devices

  • Deployed in billions of devices across a wide range of embedded applications

4.Cortex-M4

Performance with mixed-signal devices

  • Integrated digital signal processing (DSP) simplifies system design

  • Basic microcontroller functionality makes it an ideal choice for industrial applications

  • Widely deployed Cortex-M processors have a broad ecosystem

5.Cortex-M7

The highest performance Cortex-M processor

  • Simplified signal processing brings high-performance DSP to the masses

  • Built-in floating-point processing reduces power consumption

  • Supports innovative MCUs for more intensive automation tasks

6.Cortex-M23

Smallest and lowest power microcontroller with TrustZone security

  • Built-in security foundation with TrustZone

  • Memory protection minimizes the risk of unintended access

  • Ideal processor for energy-harvesting IoT nodes and small sensors

7.Cortex-M33

Ideal fusion of real-time, efficiency, and security

  • Simplifies digital signal processing through security

  • Uses TrustZone software isolation to differentiate your products

  • Delivers 32-bit performance even for the simplest and cost-sensitive devices

8.Cortex-M35P

The first Armv8-M processor with built-in tamper resistance

  • Increased physical resilience and system security features without compromising performance

  • Includes integrated digital signal processing (DSP) options

  • Protection layers prevent easy attacks and system takeovers

Recommended Reading:

1.Project configuration options in IDE Options of IAR

2.Differences between PWM, PPM, and S-BUS

5Conclusion

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