The ARM Processor and Its Features.
The central processing unit, or CPU, is the main processor of computer systems. It processes data and executes instructions to run a computer system. The CPU is responsible for the arithmetic and logical operations of computer devices. Within the CPU, different types of processor architecture are utilized in development. The two processor architectures are RISC architecture and CISC architecture. RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer, and CISC stands for Complex Instruction Set Computer. Different processors use varying architectures. For example, there are two popular types of processors present in the computer world. One is the ARM-based processor, and the other is the X86 processor used in Intel’s chips. ARM processors are based on the RISC architecture and the X86 processors are based on the CISC architecture. This article will discuss the ARM processor, its features, and the differences between the ARM processor and the X86 processor.
An ARM processor is based on the reduced instruction set computer architecture. ARM Limited designs ARM processors. ARM Limited designs the core components of the CPU and licenses the intellectual property (IP) to partner organizations. Then, the partner organization builds the ARM-based chip. Â ARM Limited does not manufacture any chips; they design the main architecture of the processor and license it to partner organizations.
The first ARM was built in 1980 by Acorn Computers. Previously, ARM stood for Acorn RISC Machine, and recently, it stands for Advanced RISC Machine.
ARM uses a much simpler instruction set than CISC architecture and offers designs for both 32-bit and 64-bit RISC multicore processors. The ARM processor takes a different approach than the X86 processors used by Intel or AMD. ARM processors use software optimization to maximize performance, whereas Intel’s or AMD’s X86 processors use hardware optimization.Â
By removing unnecessary instructions from a complex instruction set and optimizing execution, the ARM processor provides outstanding performance with less energy. As the ARM processor uses less energy, the CPU generates less heat, making the ARM processor better suited than the Intel processor, specifically in small devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The features of the ARM processor
As the ARM processors are based on a reduced instruction set, ARM processors require fewer transistors. The fewer transistors result in smaller sizes, reduced complexity, and generated less power which makes it perfect to use in devices where size and power consumption are a big deal such as smartphones. That is the reason these days, almost all types of mobile chips are based on an ARM processor. ARM processors are not only limited to smartphones, many laptops and even the world’s fastest supercomputer use the ARM processor as the processor provides more flexibility and control to the designer of the hardware.
The main features of ARM processor are included:
Multiprocessing systems: ARM processors are developed for use in the system where more than one processor is used to process the information.
Integrated memory: In an ARM processor, the memory can be integrated to make high response time and low latency.
Memory Management: ARM processors include memory management systems that are very important to manage memory efficiently.
Single-cycle execution: The ARM processor works by executing each instruction separately. Each instruction has a fixed length that allows the processor to prefetch the future instruction before the starting of execution of the present instruction.
Energy efficiency: The ARM processor uses less power and provides constant performance.
The large number of registers: The ARM processor features many registers that prevent many memory interactions.
The simple design of the ARM processor provides power-efficient multicore processing. However, in terms of RAW computing, the ARM processor lags to provide the same as the intel CPUs, though an ARM processor with optimization can exceed the performance of the intel processors.
Previously, ARM processors were only used in smaller devices such as smartphones, sensors, and IoT devices because of their small size, power efficiency, and less heat generation. But recently ARM processors are more developed and used in devices where RAW computing requires.
ARM processors are now used in many laptops. Specifically, the invention of Apple is known as the M-series chip, is based on ARM. By using the simplified architecture of the ARM processor, apple makes their Apple silicon and now uses the M-series on their computer. Apple’s new M series chip makes an industry standard by providing higher performance per watt.
The best thing about the ARM processor is that it generates less heat and that’s why the overall device does not become so hot and can provide constant performance. For the Intel processor, the computer manufacturers need to use the fan to reduce the heat generation that makes the device bulky, noisy, and power-hungry.
ARM processors are now also used in the server market and data centers; enterprises also start to notice the high performance per watt of the ARM processor as the low power consumption and constant performance are the big deals.
Furthermore, the manufacturers get more freedom while designing a device based on ARM processors as the ARM processors are smaller in size.
Difference between the ARM vs X86 processor
As the ARM processor and the X86 processors are built following the different computing architectures, these two have several differences.
Conclusion
ARM processors are widely used for less power consumption and constant performance. Though previously, computer manufacturers considered using the ARM processor where power handling is a great deal rather than RAW performance, now the scenario has changed. In recent days, many high-end personal computers are powered by ARM-based chips such as Apple’s MAC devices. Besides, ARM-based chips are widely used in supercomputers, servers, and data centers. Recently, Ampere developed the first 80-core ARM-based 64-bit server processor to perform intensive works such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, web hosting, and cloud-native applications.
