ARM Application Processors

Application Processors are defined by the processor's ability to execute complex operating systems, such as Linux, Android / Chrome, Microsoft Windows (CE/Embedded).

This class of processors integrates a Memory Management Unit (MMU) to manage the memory requirements of these complex OSs and enable the download and execution of third party software.

Applications for this class of processor include:

• Smartphones
• Feature Phones
• Tablets / eReaders
• Advanced Personal Media Players
• Digital Television
• Set-top Boxes & Satellite Receivers
• High-End Printers
• Personal Navigation Devices
• Server
• Enterprise

A wide choice of application processors is available enabling Partners to choose the solution that fits the specific criteria of their application based on desired performance, die area, size, dynamic and static power, and other considerations. All of these processors are binary compatible enabling the development of highly portable applications that, by promoting code reuse, can significantly reduce engineering costs, and speed applications to market.

Single and multicore processors, such as the Cortex-A8, Cortex-A9, Cortex-A5, Cortex-A7, Cortex-A15, Cortex-A53 and Cortex-A57 processors deliver extended performance and scalability by enabling up to four cores to be implemented in a single symmetric or asymmetric system, alongside a global interrupt handler and snoop control units. The Cortex-A50 series processors extend the performance of the Cortex-A series with the ability to execute 64-bit instructions.

big.LITTLE

The performance and energy efficiency of ARM Cortex-A series processors is enhanced by ARM big.LITTLE technology.This enables a high-performance processor to be paired with an energy efficient processor and the tasks migrated instantaneously between them, ensuring that the right processor is selected for the right job. Current big.LITTLE configurations include the Cortex-A7 with the Cortex-A15, and the Cortex-A53 and the Cortex-A57 processor.

ARM Embedded Real-time Processors

Embedded Real-time processors are primarily focused on delivering highly deterministic real-time behavior in a wide range of power sensitive applications. These processors often execute a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) alongside user-developed application code requiring only a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) as opposed to the MMU available in the Application Processors.

Applications for this class of processors include:

• Automotive Control Systems
• Wireless and Wired Sensor Networks
• Wireless basestation infrastructure
• Mass Storage Controllers
• Printers
• Network Devices

A wide choice of embedded processors is available enabling Partners to choose the solution that fits the specific criteria of their application based on desired performance, determinacy, die area, size, dynamic and static power, and other considerations.

The Cortex-R processor series delivers a roadmap of processors from the single core Cortex-R4, to the Cortex-R5 and Cortex-R7 processors, enabling existing applications to be easily ported to a higher performance platform as application demands progress.

ARM Embedded Processors

Embedded Processors can provide an optimum solution for very low-power embedded computing applications. Often provided as a “black box” with pre-loaded applications, they have limited capability to expand hardware functionality and in most cases no screen.  

Applications for this class of processors include:

• Merchant MCUs
• Automotive Control Systems
• Motor Control Systems
• White Goods controllers
• Smart Meters
• Sensors
• Internet of Things

A wide choice of embedded processors is available enabling Partners to choose the solution that fits the specific criteria of their application based on desired performance, determinacy, die area, size, dynamic and static power, and other considerations.

The Cortex-M processor series has been designed to deliver industry-leading deterministic behavior, lowest sleep and dynamic power, and smallest area possible while maintaining high processing efficiency. The series comprises of Cortex-M0+ procesor for ultra low power performance, the low power Cortex-M0, the general purpose Cortex-M3 processor and the Cortex-M4 processor for digital Signal control applications.

 ARM Secure Processors

SecurCore applications include:

• SIMs
• Smart Cards
• Advanced Payment Systems
• Electronic Passports
• Electronic Ticketing
• and Transportation

A number of SecurCore™ processors are available enabling Partners to choose the solution that fits the specific criteria of their application based on desired performance, die area, size, dynamic and static power, and other considerations.

The SC000™ processor is based on the ultra low-power Cortex-M0 processor. The SC100™ processor is based on the popular ARM7TDMI® processor. The SC300™ is based on the modern Cortex™-M3 processor, making it ideal for interrupt driven and power sensitive applications.