Instruction Set Architecture

RISC-V Performance Counters and Timer Extensions – Zicntr and Zihpm

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RISC-V Performance Counters and Timer Extensions - Zicntr and Zihpm

Introduction: RISC-V (pronounced “risk-five”) is a new instruction set architecture (ISA) originally designed to support research and education in computer architecture. However, in recent years, it has evolved into a standardized, free, and open architecture for industrial implementations. One significant advantage of the RISC-V instruction set is its scalability, allowing users to select appropriate extension … Read more

Summary of RISC-V Microarchitecture (1) – Introduction to Pipeline (Differences with ARM)

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Summary of RISC-V Microarchitecture (1) - Introduction to Pipeline (Differences with ARM)

A brief block diagram of a certain RISC-V Level 1 The storage architecture of RISC-V (from inside to outside): 1)Reg 2)TCM (Tightly Coupled Memory, divided into I/D) / LM (Local Memory, divided into I/D) 3)TLB lookup (Translation Lookaside Buffer, a fast cache of recent address mappings) – TLB hit: avoids Page Table Lookup – TLB … Read more

The Rise of RISC-V Laptops in 2025

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The Rise of RISC-V Laptops in 2025

Our laptops conceal a secret blueprint that specifies the instruction set that the computer can execute, serving as an interface between hardware and software. These instructions are hidden behind proprietary technology and cannot be altered. However, starting from 2025, users may purchase a new type of laptop that is improved, with its secrets being public. … Read more

What are Cortex, ARMv8, ARM Architecture, ARM Instruction Set, and SoC? A Comprehensive Overview

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What are Cortex, ARMv8, ARM Architecture, ARM Instruction Set, and SoC? A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction Some fans have asked me what ARM is, and they are confused about the relationships between concepts like Cortex, ARM cores, ARM architecture, ARM instruction set, and SoC. Below, I will clarify some concepts related to ARM. 1. ARM can be considered as a company name, a general term for a type of microprocessor, … Read more

Current Status of RISC-V Laptops

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Current Status of RISC-V Laptops

Our laptops hide a secret blueprint inside, which specifies the instruction set that the computer can execute and serves as an interface between hardware and software. These instructions are hidden behind proprietary technology and cannot be altered. However, starting from 2025, users may be able to purchase a new type of laptop with an open … Read more

Introduction to RISC-V: A Must-Read for Beginners!

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Introduction to RISC-V: A Must-Read for Beginners!

I have been studying the RISC-V architecture for some time, and I have summarized some essential knowledge points for beginners in RISC-V, which I would like to share with new learners. What is RISC-V? The most commonly heard processor architectures are probably x86 and ARM. The x86 architecture is mainly used in PCs, while ARM … Read more

The Path to RISC-V Open Architecture Design

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The Path to RISC-V Open Architecture Design

Product Features Content Summary This book first presents seven evaluation criteria for an instruction set, including cost, simplicity, performance, separation of architecture and implementation, room for improvement, code size, and ease of programming/compiling/linking. It introduces the elegant design of RISC-V and the numerous trade-offs involved from a holistic system perspective based on these seven criteria. … Read more

Why the ARM Ban on Huawei Will Not Have a Substantial Effect?

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Why the ARM Ban on Huawei Will Not Have a Substantial Effect?

Click on the above “Tencent Technology“, “star or pin the public account” Key moments, delivered first Source / Silicon Star (ID: guixingren123) Author / Spectrum Welcome to download the Tencent News APP to see more technology hot news Huawei can rely on its existing ARMv8 license to hold on for a long time, enough to … Read more

A Comprehensive Competition Between RISC-V and ARM!

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A Comprehensive Competition Between RISC-V and ARM!

RISC-V and ARM are the two most prominent processor architectures in recent years. ARM, launched in the 1990s, is a RISC ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) that has benefited from the rise of smartphones, with cumulative shipments of ARM cores exceeding 100 billion units. It has gained a reputation based on years of trust and accumulated … Read more

Clarifying Misunderstandings About RISC-V

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Clarifying Misunderstandings About RISC-V

RISC-V is an instruction set architecture (ISA) for microprocessors, and people’s opinions about it are polarized. This is especially true given the apparent competition between the ARM and RISC-V camps. This makes sense. RISC-V and ARM represent fundamentally different philosophies on how to design RISC chips. RISC-V has a long-term view that emphasizes simplicity, avoiding … Read more