Acorn RISC Machine Processors - Essay Example

ARM Processors Acorn (or later Advanced) RISC Machine (ARM) uses a 32-bit RISC (reduced instruction set computing) processor architecture that is utilized within many different applications. ARM processors are widely circulated, since their design integrates novel power-saving consumption and high performance features that adapt as part of the application design. These embedded processors are set directly into a device. The software is programmable, while it interacts with the hardware in real time. The chips operate as controlling and computing mechanisms within the same device, since they are multi-functional and complex. These chips or this technology, in particular, is used by multiple manufacturers to develop specialized microprocessors. “The ARM chip has become one of the most used CPU designs in the world, found in everything from hard drives, to mobile phones, to routers, to calculators, to childrens toys. Today it accounts for over 75% of all 32-bit embedded CPUs” (“ARM Processing”, np). Prominent companies using this technology include: Texas Instruments, Nintendo, Philips, Sharp, and IBM. These devices usually include a one time use, in-order RISC processors that have little cache. It maybe sold as a generic chip or with a customized pre-programmed layout. Their real-world applications require they be small, efficient, and pre-screened to be correct for the equipment in which they are installed. They can be custom-designed, but the most important features are performance, power allocation, and cost. The specifications includes a load store architecture, 16 registers (some for general purpose and others for a program counter), 32-bit architecture and 32-bit instructions, with all instructions assured to meet quality standards. This is known as predicated. The ARM processor has evolved from its humble beginnings in the early 1980s. Two British scientists working at Acorn Computers Ltd began with a development project and a desire to improve upon current technology. They needed something that was small and cheap, but able to produce powerful results and relatively easy to program. The first prototypes, ARM1 and ARM2, entered the development cycle. ARM1, in 1985 and in 1986, ARM2, the first real production model. The first sets of instructions were written in BASIC. “The ARM didnt see its use as the primary host processor in the system until the release of Archimedes in 1987, which ran at an astounding 8 MHz and had a vast amount of RAM—512K. …Archimedes was arguably the first widely available system that used [a] ... (RISC) processor” (Grehan, np). Archimedes was considered the first real ARM-based platform, and as most new technology, was not well received in the beginning. Software emulators developed software that allowed Archimedes to use some of the more popular PC-based programs at the time, since it originally came with little than a new processor and operating system. The design of the original ARM chips created a processor that supplied good performance in the low-end models of the newly designed personal computers. Next, the design was expanded and modified to move into the high-end computer and workstation models. The ARM2 incorporated and showcased a 32-bit data bus, a 26-bit address space, and 16 32-bit registers. The bus transfers data and power between internal machine components, or between two different computers. The address space is the space within the computer’s memory that identifies where the data resides. The registers are a special type of memory that increase processing speed, and are measured by the number of bits that contain. In 1991, from a separate business unit (ARM Holdings plc), the ARM6 laid the foundation for the personal digital assistant revolution when Apple used a modification of the technology in their Newton PDA. Current ARM technology is an essential component for microprocessor cores, architectural extensions, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, “it has excelled because it is an open architecture that provides unparalleled levels of compatibility and design reusability, combined with superior performance per watt and code density” (ARM Product Backgrounder, 2). The Thumb® and Thumb-2 instruction sets are extensions to the original ARM technology, and they allow for decrementing power usage and decreasing the overall production costs, with no performance issues. ARM Jazelle® allows the hardware application to use Java technology with middleware or other code on a single processor, with the same performance and cost issues addressed. Other ARM constituents include ARM TrustZone™, which provides security for open systems, ARM Intelligent Energy Manager (IEM), which balances the workload between the processor and energy usage, and the future is embraced with ARM NEON™. This technology allows increased performance for multimedia, telephony, audio and video applications. There are nine families that make up the ARM processor cores. They include: ARM7 Thumb, ARM9 Thumb, ARM9E, ARM10E, ARM11, SecurCore, OptimoDE Data Engine, and Cortex. The ARM7 is a low-power RISC microprocessor core that is used in certain consumer electronics, such as pagers, wireless headsets, and personal audio players. Technology along with price and power sensitivity and combined in the ARM9 family. Examples of this technology include videophones and digital cameras. ARM9E offers a single processor and enables Java applications that used in DVD drives, networking components, or game consoles. ARM10E features on-chip programming or debugging, memory management units, and uses SoC technology to integrate industrial control systems. In ARM11, by using ARM Jazelle® and ARM TrustZone™ for consumer electronics that require protection so sensitive system functions. DVD navigation or PDAs are examples of hardware that use this type of microprocessor. SecurCore offers enhanced security for fast, secure e-commerce or smart card operations. OptimoDE Data Engine allows for a virtually unlimited data path configuration, functionality, and efficient energy usage. Cortex was created for ARM partners that require specific market or performance applications and requirements and contains “…tools take advantage of the architectural improvements in debug capabilities, such as the single-wire debug port and improved "visibility" of internal system characteristics and settings” (Cornish, np). The AMR processor is a popular addition to many of our contemporary electronics since “The rapid convergence of digital entertainment and communications requires a new level of system performance and security, all within a low-cost, low-power, high-performance framework based on open processing platforms” (Texas Instrument, np). Works Cited “ARM Processing.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 17 Nov 2005. 22 Nov 2005. . “ARM Product Backgrounder.” ARM Holdings plc. Jan 2005. 22 Nov 2005. . Cornish, John. “ARM Update.” ECN 1 Oct 2005. 22 Nov 2005. . Grehan, Rick. “Jumping with Jazelle.” Java Pro. Jun 2002. 22 Nov 2005. . Texas Instruments. “Texas Instruments and ARM partner to Advance Wireless Innovation with New ARM Processor.” 4 Oct 2005. 22 Nov 2005. . Read More