What is ARM cross-compiler?

An ARM cross-compiler is a compiler that runs on one architecture but produces executable code for a different architecture – in this case, code for ARM processors. Cross-compilers are useful for software development when the compiler and target system have different architectures. Why use an ARM cross-compiler? There are several reasons why you may want…

What is the difference between Cortex-M33 and M23?

The Cortex-M33 and Cortex-M23 are 32-bit processor cores designed by ARM for microcontroller applications. Both utilize the ARMv8-M architecture and include features for security, digital signal processing, and floating point math. However, there are some key differences between the two cores: Main Differences The Cortex-M33 includes the ARMv8-M Security Extension, TrustZone technology, and support for…

What is the Difference Between Cortex-M55 and M7?

The Cortex-M55 and Cortex-M7 are both 32-bit microcontroller cores designed by ARM for embedded and IoT applications. The main differences between the two cores come down to performance, features, and intended use cases. In brief, the Cortex-M7 is the higher performance and more capable core, while the Cortex-M55 is optimized for power efficiency. The M7…

What is context switching in the Arm Cortex?

Context switching refers to the process of storing and restoring the state or context of a processor when switching between executing multiple tasks or processes. In Arm Cortex processors, context switching enables multitasking by allowing the processor to pause execution of one task, save its context, and resume another task from where it left off….

Switching Context Inside an ISR on Cortex-M

Switching between different execution contexts is an important concept on Cortex-M processors. When an interrupt occurs, the processor automatically switches from thread mode to handler mode to execute the interrupt service routine (ISR). The ISR needs to run quickly and return control back to the original context. However, there may be cases where the ISR…

What are the special registers in the ARM Cortex?

The ARM Cortex series of processors utilize a number of special purpose registers that allow for customized control and monitoring of the processor’s operation. These registers give developers and engineers visibility into the internal workings of the processor and enable optimization of performance, power usage, and functionality. Program Counter The program counter (PC) register contains…

What is the purpose of the control register inside the Cortex-M processor core?

The control register inside the Cortex-M processor core serves a critical role in configuring and controlling the operation of the processor. This register allows software to enable/disable certain processor features, control power modes, set stack pointers, handle exceptions, and more. Having fine-grained control over the processor’s operation is essential for building high-performance yet energy-efficient embedded…