Introduction to ARM Cortex-M Processors CDAC ACTS, Pune

Course Overview

• The instructor promises to cover the ARM Cortex-M processors in a comprehensive manner.
• Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of computer architecture and programming.

Trends in Microcontrollers

• There is a trend towards the use of 32-bit microcontrollers in embedded systems.
• The development of ARM Cortex-M processors has created new opportunities for microcontroller applications.

ARM Cortex-M Processors

• The ARM Cortex-M processor is discussed in the course because it is a popular choice for microcontrollers.
• The Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processors use a von Neumann architecture.
• ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers have features such as low power consumption, high performance, and a small footprint.
• The Cortex-M processors use the Thumb-2 instruction set architecture (ISA).

ARM Architecture

• ARM processors use a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture.
• One key advantage of RISC architecture is that it requires less transistors and therefore less power, resulting in faster performance.
• The ARM7 processor was the first of the Cortex generation of processors, released by ARM in 2005.

ARM History

• ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) was originally developed by Acorn Computers.
• ARM licenses its cores to other semiconductor manufacturers.

CISC Architecture

• CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) architecture is characterized by a large number of complex instructions, resulting in a larger transistor count and higher power consumption.

Test your knowledge about ARM Cortex-M processors, focusing on the programming model, exception handling, memory map, peripheral interfacing, and using software driver libraries from microcontroller vendors. This quiz covers the essentials taught in the course at CDAC ACTS, Pune.