ARM processors are widely used – from sensors to servers.

ARM is the industry’s leading microprocessor technology provider, offering the broadest range of microprocessor cores to meet performance, power, 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, with over 90 billion processors deployed. ARM’s technology is at the core of the computing and connectivity revolution, changing how people live and conduct business.

Let’s take a look at the series of processors from Cortex-M to Cortex-A. For details, please refer to:

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

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Currently, ARM processors are divided into 5 categories: Cortex-A, Cortex-R, Cortex-M, Machine Learning, SecurCore. The first three are familiar to most of us, see the image below:

1.Cortex-A5

Customizable processor that achieves high performance in low power configurations

• Expandable versatility suitable for cost-sensitive low-power applications

• Configurable options provide rich OS support for minimal devices

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

2.Cortex-A7

The smallest, lowest power processor suitable 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 a cluster of up to four processors

• Established a solid foundation across various process technologies

4.Cortex-A15

Designed for high-performance 32-bit applications

• 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 without compromising 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

The smallest and lowest power Armv8-A processor

• Advanced power management features with idle power management

• Can be used as a single core or a cluster 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 budget

• Supports 64-bit processing suitable for embedded applications

• Ideal processor for IoT nodes and gateways

8.Cortex-A53

The most widely used processor, balancing performance and efficiency

• High single-thread 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 broad market application needs

• Suitable for small devices in constrained environments

• Designed for compatibility with DynamIQ configurations

10.Cortex-A57

Supports a variety of 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 stream performance

11.Cortex-A72

Fast processing improves mobile application efficiency

• 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 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 performing complex computational tasks

• Higher single-thread performance and better energy efficiency

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

1.Cortex-R4

The smallest real-time performance processor

• Provides excellent 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

• Most commonly used in large-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 among LTE and 5G modems

• Provides low latency

• Configurable ports support flexible design options

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

5.Cortex-R52

Most 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

1.Cortex-M0

Compact ARM processor

• Available for free licensing through DesignStart

• Very suitable for smart sensors and on-chip mixed-signal systems (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 devices for healthcare, fitness, etc.

3.Cortex-M3

Excellent 32-bit performance and low power

• Available for free licensing 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 functions make 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

• Simplifies signal processing, bringing high-performance DSP to the masses

• Built-in floating-point processing capabilities reduce power consumption

• Supports innovative MCUs for more intensive automation tasks

6.Cortex-M23

The smallest and lowest power microcontroller with TrustZone security

• Built-in security foundation with TrustZone

• Memory protection minimizes the risk of accidental 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 anti-tampering features

• Enhanced physical resilience and system security features do not compromise performance

• Includes integrated digital signal processing (DSP) options

• Protection layers prevent easy attacks and system takeovers

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