ARM Architecture

The ARM architecture processor is an advanced reduced instruction set computing (RISC)
machine and it's a 32-bit RISC microcontroller. ARM processors are developed by various
manufacturers, including STMicroelectronics. The ARM architecture has various versions
like ARMv1, ARMv2, etc., each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

ARM processor design is based on RISC principles but suffers less from poor code density
than most RISC designs due to its efficient instruction set. A novel mechanism called the
"Thumb" instruction set is implemented in some versions of ARM processors, which is a
16-bit compressed form of the original 32-bit ARM instruction set.

Components of ARM Processor

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

- Booth Multiplier: Multiplies 32-bit inputs using the modified Booth algorithm.

- Barrel Shifter: Shifts 32-bit input data from the register file or immediate data, with control
inputs from the instruction register.

- Register File: Contains general-purpose registers.

2. Program Status Register (PSR)

- Contains processor flags (Z, S, V, and C).
- Includes mode bits, interrupt, and quick interrupt disable bits.

3. Special Registers
- Includes instruction, memory data read/write registers, and memory address register.

4. Priority Encoder
- Used in multiple load/store instructions to identify which register to load or store.

5. Multiplexers
- Used for controlling the processor buses.

6. Control Unit
- The heart of the processor, responsible for system operation.
- Often implemented as a state machine.
- Controls the timing and signals to each component.

Features of ARM Architecture

1. Load-Store Architecture
- Operates primarily through load and store operations.

2. Fixed Length 32-bit Instructions

- Ensures uniform instruction size, simplifying decoding.
3. 3-Address Instruction Formats
- Allows specifying three different registers in a single instruction.