The ARM architecture (originally the Acorn RISC Machine) is a 32-bit RISC processor architecture that is widely used in a number of applications. ARM variants are in widespread use in embedded and low-power applications due to their power saving design features.
ARM?s approach has been to design RISC core architectures with instruction sets that provide efficient support for particular applications, with an optimal balance between hardware and software implementation.
The ARM processor range provides solutions for:
? Open platforms running complex operating systems for wireless, consumer and imaging applications.
? Embedded real-time systems for mass storage, automotive, industrial and networking applications.
? Secure applications including smart cards and SIMs.
?????????????????? The ARM processor core originates within a British computer company called Acorn. In the mid-1980s they were looking for replacement for the 6502 processor used in their BBC computer range, which were widely used in UK schools. None of the 16-bit architectures becoming available at that time met their requirements, so they designed their own 32-bit processor.
?????????????????? Other companies became interested in this processor, including Apple who were looking for a processor for their PDA project (which became the Newton). After much discussion this led to Acorn?s processor design team splitting off from Acorn at the end of 1990 to become Advanced RISC Machines Ltd, now just ARM Ltd.
?????????????????? Thus ARM Ltd now designs the ARM family of RISC processor cores, together with a range of other supporting technologies. One important point about ARM is that it does not fabricate silicon itself, but instead just produces the design.
?? ??????????????????The ARM processor is a powerful low-cost, efficient, low-power (consumption, that is) RISC processor. Its design was originally for the Archimedes desktop computer, but somewhat ironically numerous factors about its design make it unsuitable for use in a desktop machine (for example, the MMU and cache are the wrong way around). However, many factors about its design make it an exceptional choice for embedded applications. The ARM architecture enjoys the widest choice of embedded operating systems (OS) for system development. OS choice is critical in producing a winning system design that meets the needs of the developer's chosen market. ARM enables choice by partnering with many leading suppliers of embedded OS and development environments. ARM offers a broad range of processor cores to address a wide variety of applications while delivering optimum performance, power consumption and system cost. These cores are designed to meet the needs of three system categories:
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