Introduction to ARM

Processor
Dr. C. GANESH KUMAR
Microprocessor

• Microprocessor (µP) is a programmable electronics chip.

• It has a computing and decision making capabilities similar to Central Processing

Unit (CPU) of a computer.

• It is also used in advanced applications like radars, satellites and flights.

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Microcontroller

• Microcontroller (µC) is also a programmable electronic chip designed for specific

application.

• In other word we can say a complete System (CPU, RAM, ROM, Timers,
Peripheral interfaces, etc.,) embedded on a single chip.

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Difference Between µP and µC
Microprocessor Microcontroller

It is a general purpose system It is a specific purpose system

Registers are in less number Registers are in more number

Speed is low Speed is high

All I/O and memory are connected externally so size is All I/O and memory are internally connected so size is
high less

Variable size of memory and I/O Fixed size of memory and I/O

High power consumption Low power consumption

Von-Neumann Architecture Harvard Architecture

Bit handling instructions are few Bit handling instructions are more

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Harvard vs Von-Neumann Architecture
Von-Neumann Harvard
Same memory for both instruction and Separate memory for instruction and
data data
Requires two clock cycle to execute an Requires one clock cycle to execute an
instruction instruction
Simple control unit Complex control unit
Cost is less Cost is high
Mainly used in microprocessors Mainly used in microcontrollers

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RISC vs CISC

CISC RISC

Accentuate on hardware Accentuate on software

Less registers More registers

More addressing mode Less addressing mode

Variable instruction length format Fixed instruction length format

Instruction takes varying time cycle Instruction takes fixed time cycle (one cycle)

Pipelining is difficult Pipelining is easy

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ARM Processor

• ARM – Advanced RISC Machine

• It is the first RISC microprocessor which is used for commercial purpose.

• ARM developed by Acorn Computer Limited of Cambridge, England (1983)

• RISC concept was introduced in 1980 at Stanford and Berkley.

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Features of ARM Processor
• RISC design - Key Points of ARM incorporates:
• Complexity of instruction is reduced (fixed-length)
• Uniform register file
• Pipelining Concept
• Large register set for storing data near the core
• Load-Store Architecture – (i) Load -> memory to register, (ii) Store -> register to memory

• Non-RISC design - Key Points ARM incorporates:

• Allows variable cycle execution on certain instructions
• Barrel Shifter
• Conditionally executing instructions
• Thumb 16-bit instruction set and instructions for digital signal processing
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