Source: Arm

Editor: strongerHuang

All processors we use have a set architecture, for example, STM32F0 is based on the Cortex-M0 core, which belongs to the ARMv6-M architecture. Technology is evolving rapidly, so what are the differences and advantages of the latest ARMv8-M architecture compared to previous architectures?

1. ARM Architecture

The development history of ARM is quite long, starting from ARMv1, gradually evolving to the well-known ARMv6, ARMv7, and ARMv8.

During ARMv7, the ARM architecture was divided into three different core types: Cortex-A,Cortex-R,Cortex-M.

The ARM architecture was also divided into ARMv8-A, ARMv8-R, ARMv8-M.

Here’s a diagram for better understanding:

For more related introductions, refer to my previous article: Connections between STM32, Cortex-M3, and ARMv8-M.

2. Cortex-M Cores

As of now (April 2020), there are 10 models of ARM’s Cortex-M cores, including: Cortex-M0, M0+, M1, M3, M4, M7, M23, M33, M35P, M55.

Website:

The earliest Cortex-M0 belongs to the ARMv6-M architecture, while the latest Cortex-M55 is based on the ARMv8-M architecture. These architectures have undergone significant development over the years, leading to considerable differences.

These Cortex-M cores are currently popular and found in many MCUs. Over time, the first to be phased out should be the ARMv6-M architecture cores, followed by the development of more architectures.

For example, the M23 is developed based on the M0, retaining its advantages while expanding on new features.

3. New Features of ARMv8-M Architecture

I wonder if everyone has noticed the newly released Cortex-M processors, which are trending towards ARMv8-M (of course, there is also a popular RISC-V, which will not be discussed here).

For instance, the STM32L5 series uses the M33 core, the LPC55S series uses the M33 core, and the GD32E23 series uses the M23 core, all of which are based on the ARMv8-M architecture.

In fact, the ARMv8-M architecture was already announced at the ARM Tech Conference in 2015. In today’s rapidly developing IoT landscape, information technology is also very advanced, making security technology particularly important. One new technology of ARMv8-M is TrustZone (a security technology).

In addition to TrustZone technology, ARMv8-M has many more new features compared to the older generation architecture.

This summary is somewhat general, but aims to give everyone a deeper understanding. In summary, focusing on today’s artificial intelligence and IoT, enhancing computing capabilities and increasing security are some of the new features.

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