One Architecture Countless Possibilities

Arm architecture ensures better security, wide compatibility, high performance, and energy efficiency. Our central processor unit (CPU) architecture comes in three varieties optimized for different use cases: A-Profile for rich applications, , R-Profile for Real-time, and M-Profile for microcontrollers.

CPU Architecture defines what a CPU must do when software runs on it. All Arm-based CPU designs are built on the same architecture, ensuring software compatibility while enabling market or usage-specific innovation. This compatibility ensures partner success, increasing customer confidence and market uptake.

Armv8.1-M is the latest M-Profile architecture and it includes Arm Helium technology, the M-Profile Vector Extension (MVE) for the Arm Cortex-M series. Helium delivers a significant performance uplift for machine learning (ML) and digital signal processing (DSP) applications.

CPU Architecture Profiles
A-Profile

Optimized for Rich Applications and High-Performance Operating Systems

A-Profile is used in complex compute applications including servers, mobile phones, automotive head units and IoT gateways.

Learn More
R-Profile

Optimized for Real-Time, High-Performance Applications

R-Profile is used where real-time or deterministic response is required, such as safety-critical applications. Use cases include medical equipment and transport, specifically in vehicle steering, braking and signalling functions.

Learn More
M-Profile

Optimized for Discrete Processing and Microcontrollers

M-Profile is used where energy efficiency, power conservation, and size are key. It is especially suitable for invisible and deeply-embedded chips, such as smart goods. IoT devices are a key application of M-Profile CPUs, used in small sensors, communication modules, and smart home products.

Learn More
Talk with an Expert

Looking for additional resources to help you understand more about designing Arm-based products? Talk to an Arm expert.

Contact Us
Related Products and Services
Explore More Options and Features
CPU

Silicon IP: CPU

Arm CPU processors offer the widest range of processor cores to address the performance, power and cost requirements for almost all application markets. Including the industry leading Cortex-A series, the ultra-low power Cortex-M series, real-time Cortex-R series, server ready Neoverse series, SecurCore series and Machine Learning solutions.

Learn More
Mali Graphics & Multimedia Processors

Silicon IP: Graphics and Multimedia 

Arm Mali media IP offer high-performing, energy-efficient media processing across a large and growing number of mobile and consumer devices, including smartphones, tablets, TVs and wearables.

Learn More
Architectures and Technologies
Architectures and Technologies

Arm-based chips, technologies and platform design architectures orchestrate the performance of everything that makes modern life possible — from smartphones to agricultural sensors, medical equipment to cloud data centers.

CPU Architecture Resources

Everything you need to know to make the right decision for your project. Includes technical documentation, industry insights, and where to go for expert advice.