Arm

The short answer is no, x64 and ARM CPUs are not natively compatible with each other due to fundamental differences in their architectures. However, with the right software and hardware solutions, it is possible to get x64 and ARM systems to interoperate to some degree. Key Differences Between x64 and ARM x64, also known as…

The short answer is that while ARM is making inroads into areas traditionally dominated by x86/x64 like PCs and servers, a complete replacement is unlikely in the near future. However, ARM’s advantages in power efficiency and customizability make it a growing threat in an increasing number of applications. Introduction to ARM and x86 Architectures ARM…

Adding JTAG/SWD debug capability to a Cortex-M0 microcontroller can sometimes be tricky and fail unexpectedly. This is often due to subtle differences between MCU models as well as complexities in properly configuring the debug interface. With some diligence and methodical troubleshooting, the root cause can usually be identified and resolved. Common Reasons JTAG/SWD Fails on…

When compiling C code for the ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller in ModelSim, you may encounter the error “unknown compiler option ‘-lint’”. This error occurs because ModelSim’s compiler wrapper mtiARM is trying to pass the -lint option to the underlying GNU compiler arm-none-eabi-gcc, but this particular version of gcc does not recognize that option. What causes the…

The Cortex-M0 DesignStart is a free and easy way to start developing and prototyping designs using the Cortex-M0 processor from ARM. It includes everything needed to simulate the processor using ModelSim on Linux. This allows you to get up and running quickly without needing to buy expensive tools or IP upfront. Prerequisites Before you can…

The Cortex-M0 is one of ARM’s most popular microcontroller cores, known for its small size and low power consumption. It is commonly used in IoT and embedded devices where resources are limited. When developing for Cortex-M0, it is important to stay within the code size limits imposed by the core and target device. Exceeding these…

Designing an optimized clocking system is critical for any FPGA implementation, but especially so for DesignStart Cortex-M0 cores which have specific clocking requirements. This article will provide an overview of key considerations and techniques to optimize clock design when targeting Cortex-M0 DesignStart on FPGAs. Cortex-M0 Clocking Overview The Cortex-M0 processor has a two-stage pipeline and…

The Cortex-M0 DesignStart microcontroller from ARM utilizes an ARM Cortex-M0 processor core which requires a clock source with specific duty cycle requirements. Meeting these requirements is critical for proper operation of the Cortex-M0 microcontroller. Overview of Cortex-M0 DesignStart Clocking The Cortex-M0 DesignStart microcontroller features the ARM Cortex-M0 processor core which is targeted for low-cost and…

Using the Cortex-M0 DesignStart IP core on non-ARM partner FPGAs can provide a low-cost way to prototype and evaluate ARM’s smallest Cortex-M processor. However, debugging these designs brings unique challenges compared to using ARM’s own FPGAs. This article provides guidance on setting up and troubleshooting debug connections for Cortex-M0 DesignStart cores implemented in non-ARM FPGAs….

When looking to implement an ARM Cortex-M0 design on an FPGA, the two major FPGA vendors to consider are Xilinx and Altera (now owned by Intel). Both offer compelling options, so choosing between them really depends on your specific design requirements and constraints. In a nutshell, the main factors to consider are: Xilinx Cortex-M0 FPGAs…