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

Author | strongerHuang

WeChat public account | Embedded Column

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, along with over 90 billion processors. ARM’s technology is at the core of the computing and connectivity revolution, changing the way people live and conduct business.
Below we will explore 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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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 achieves high performance in low power configurations

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

  • Configurable options provide rich OS support for minimal devices

  • Full Armv7-A architecture, one-third the area and power of Cortex-A9

2.Cortex-A7

Minimum, lowest power processor for 32-bit

  • Armv7-A extension offers 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 up to four processors in a cluster

  • Established a solid foundation across various process technologies

4.Cortex-A15

Designed for high-performance 32-bit applications

  • 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 appliances

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

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

6.Cortex-A32

Smallest size, lowest power Armv8-A processor

  • Advanced power management features with idle power management

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

  • 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 various 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 various applications requiring high-performance processing

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

  • Cryptographic extensions can speed up the processing of encryption instructions

  • Prefetch 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

First high-performance CPU based on DynamIQ

  • Flexible architecture provides a wide range of supported ecosystems

  • Parallely executes up to three instructions per clock cycle

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

14.Cortex-A76

Second-generation high-performance CPU based on DynamIQ

  • Designed for devices executing complex computational tasks

  • Higher single-thread performance and greater energy efficiency

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

15.Cortex-A77

Third-generation high-performance CPU based on DynamIQ

  • Leading performance and efficiency for 5G mobile solutions

  • Improved responsiveness for machine learning on devices

  • Designed for next-generation smartphones and laptops

16.Cortex-A77

Fourth-generation high-performance CPU based on DynamIQ, the most efficient advanced Cortex-A CPU

  • Leading performance and efficiency for 5G mobile solutions

  • Improved responsiveness for machine learning on devices

  • Designed for next-generation smartphones and laptops

3Cortex-R Real-Time Performance Processors

1.Cortex-R4

The smallest real-time performance processor

  • Offers 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 double that of previous Cortex-R processors

  • Ideal for developing safety-critical products

  • Most commonly used in high-volume deeply embedded SoC applications

3.Cortex-R7

High-performance processor for 4G modems and storage purposes

  • 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

  • Offers 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

6.Cortex-R82

Highest performance real-time processor

  • Provides efficient, high-performance computing for complex storage applications

  • Supports Arm Neon technology for ML acceleration

  • Implements MMU for rich OS support

4Cortex-M Microprocessors

1.Cortex-M0

Compact ARM processor

  • Available with no license fee 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 healthcare, fitness, and wearable devices

3.Cortex-M3

Excellent 32-bit performance and low power

  • Available with no license fee through DesignStart

  • Commonly used in many smart home devices

  • Billions of devices deployed in a wide range of embedded applications

4.Cortex-M4

Performance for 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

Highest performance Cortex-M processor

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

  • Built-in floating-point processing capability 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

First Armv8-M processor with built-in anti-tamper features

  • Enhanced physical resilience and system security features without compromising performance

  • Includes integrated digital signal processing (DSP) options

  • Protective layers prevent easy attacks and system takeovers

8.Cortex-M55

ARM’s most AI-capable Cortex-M processor, the first to adopt Arm Helium technology

  • Provides the highest and most efficient ML and DSP performance for Cortex-M

  • Easy-to-use Cortex-M, single toolchain, optimized software libraries, and industry-leading embedded ecosystem simplify AI implementation for IoT

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Understanding ARM Processors: From Cortex-M to Cortex-A

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