Processors

ARM Cortex Application Processors

Cortex-A Series - High performance processors for feature rich Operating Systems

All of our Cortex-A processors deliver exceptional 32-bit performance for high-end computing, with the new Cortex-A72 processor and both the Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A53 processors delivering combined 32-bit and 64-bit performance, enabling next-generation mobile, networking and server products. The processors are available in single-core and multi-core varieties, delivering up to four processing units with the ability to integrate NEON™ multimedia processing blocks and advanced Floating Point execution units.

Applications include:

• Smartphones
• Netbooks
• eReaders
• Digital TV
• Home Gateways
• Servers and Networking

ARM Cortex Real-time Embedded Processors

Cortex-R Series - Exceptional performance for real-time applications

Cortex Real-time Embedded processors have been developed for deeply embedded real-time applications where the need for low power and good interrupt behaviour are balanced with exceptional performance and strong compatibility with existing platforms.

Applications include:

• Automotive braking systems
• Powertrain solutions
• Mass storage controller
• Networking & Printing

ARM Cortex Embedded Processors

Cortex-M Series - Cost-sensitive solutions for deterministic microcontroller applications

Cortex-M series processors have been developed primarily for the microcontroller domain where the need for fast, highly deterministic, interrupt management is coupled with the desire for extremely low gate count and lowest possible power consumption.

Applications include:

• Microcontrollers
• Mixed signal devices
• Smart sensors
• Automotive body electronics and airbags

ARM Specialist Processors

SecurCore™ - Processors for high security applications

FPGA Cores - Processors for FPGA

ARM Specialist Processors are designed to meet the demanding needs of specific markets. SecurCore processors are utilized within the security markets for mobile SIMs and identification applications and integrate numerous technologies to detect and avoid security attacks while delivering outstanding performance.

ARM also develops processors for FPGA fabrics, enabling users to rapidly reach market while maintaining compatibility with traditional ARM devices. Additionally the fabric independent nature of these processors enables developers to choose the target device which is right for their application rather than be locked to a specific vendor.

ARM Application Processors

Application Processors are defined by the processor's ability to execute complex operating systems, including Linux, Android, Chrome OS, Tizen, Microsoft Windows (CE/Embedded) and others. This class of processors integrates a Memory Management Unit (MMU) to manage the memory requirements of 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
• Wearables
• Home Networking

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 Cortex-A series 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-A5, Cortex-A7, Cortex-A9, Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A17 processors are all based on the ARMv7-A architecture, providing industry leading solutions in a range of different 32-bit performance profiles. The new Cortex-A72 processor and both the Cortex-A53 and Cortex-A57 processors extend the performance of the Cortex-A series with the ability to execute 64-bit instructions as well as maintaining backwards compatibility to 32-bit instructions.

big.LITTLE

The performance and energy efficiency of ARM Cortex-A series processors is enhanced by ARM big.LITTLE technology. By pairing a high-performance processor with an energy-efficient processor, tasks are instantaneously migrated between them, ensuring that the right processor is selected for the right job. Current big.LITTLE configurations pair the Cortex-A7 with either the Cortex-A15 or Cortex-A17 processors, and the Cortex-A53 with either the Cortex-A72 or Cortex-A57 processors.

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

Cortex-M processors are the optimal solution for low-power embedded computing applications. The 32-bit Cortex-M processor family is the key to transforming all sorts of embedded systems into smart and connected systems. 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

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 Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M7 processors for digital Signal control applications.

ARM Secure Processors

ARM SecurCore applications include:

• SIMs
• Smart Cards
• Advanced Payment Systems
• Electronic Passports
• Electronic Ticketing
• 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.