Advanced RISC Machine (ARM): Features | Advantages | Disadvantages

Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) is a type of computer chip. That is generally used in many devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and smart gadgets. It is popular because it saves energy and works well in many situations. So in this blog, we will look at what makes ARM chips special, their good and bad sides, and how they compare to x86 chips (used in most PCs). Knowing about ARM helps us understand where technology is going in the future.

What is ARM?

ARM, or Advanced RISC Machine, is a type of computer processor that is simple and uses less power. This makes it great for phones, tablets, and even some laptops. ARM chips are fast and help batteries last longer. They can run many systems like Android and Linux. ARM is also used in many devices because it can be made small or large. It often has built-in graphics and strong security, helping power today’s smart technology.

History of Advanced RISC Machine

It was started in 1990 by Acorn Computers and Apple. Before that, in the early 1980s, Acorn had made the first version called the Acorn RISC Machine. The first ARM chip was made in 1985. This was the start of a new way of making computer chips. ARM chips became popular because they are fast and use very little power.

They are now used in many things like smartphones, tablets, and smart devices (IoT). Over time, advanced RISC machines added new features and better designs. Today, ARM keeps making new technology as well as helping in building the future of computing.

What Makes the ARM Architecture Valuable?

The ARM diagram shows the basic structure of an ARM Cortex-M processor, which is commonly used in small, power-efficient devices. So, here is an explanation of what each part does:

1. ARM Core: This is the brain of the processor. It runs the instructions and performs all the main tasks.
2. NVIC (Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller): It handles interrupts (signals from devices) and makes sure urgent tasks are done first.
3. WIC (Wakeup Interrupt Controller): Helps save power by letting the processor sleep and wake up only when needed.
4. ETM (Embedded Trace Macrocell): Tracks what the processor is doing in real time, useful for checking and fixing problems.
5. MPU (Memory Protection Unit): Keeps memory safe by making sure only allowed parts of the program can access certain memory areas.
6. Serial Wire Viewer (SWV): A tool for developers to see what’s happening inside the processor without using many pins.
7. DAP (Debug Access Port): This lets developers connect tools to test and control the processor from the outside.
8. Data Watchpoints: Watches specific memory spots and alerts when something changes, great for debugging.
9. Flash Patch: This lets you fix or change code stored in memory while the processor is running.
10. Bus Matrix: A system that connects everything so parts can talk to each other quickly.
11. SRAM & Peripheral Interface: Connects the processor to memory and other external devices.
12. Code Interface: Where the processor gets its program instructions from, usually stored in flash memory.

In short:

The ARM Cortex-M processor is built to be fast, efficient, and easy to debug. It’s perfect for small gadgets and smart devices that need to save power and run reliably.

Features of ARM Processor

They are widely used in various applications, from mobile devices to embedded systems. Here are some key features of an advanced RISC machine:

1. RISC Architecture

ARM uses a simple type of design called RISC. This helps it run faster and use less power compared to more complex processors.

2. Energy Efficiency

ARM chips use very little power, so they are perfect for phones and tablets. They help batteries last longer.

3. Scalability

The ARM processor can be used in all kinds of devices, from tiny gadgets to powerful computers. This helps companies save time and money.

4. Integrated Graphics

Many advanced RISC machine chips come with built-in graphics, so they can handle games and videos without needing extra parts.

5. Support for Multiple Operating Systems

ARM works with many systems, like Android, and Linux as well as with Windows. This makes it easy to create apps for different devices.

6. Advanced Security Features

ARM chips have strong security tools like TrustZone to protect important data and keep devices safe.

Advantages of ARM Processor

It offers several advantages that make it a popular choice in various applications, particularly in mobile and embedded systems. Here are some key advantages of an advanced RISC machine:

• Low Power Use: These chips use very little power. This helps phones and tablets last longer on one battery charge.
• Low Cost: ARM chips are cheaper to make than many other processors. This helps companies make affordable devices.
• Works in Many Devices: It can be used on many devices, such as phones, smart devices, and even big servers.
• Lots of Developer Support: There are many tools and help available for people who build things with ARM. This makes it faster as well as easier to create new products.
• Good Performance: Even though they save power, ARM chips are still fast. Some newer ones can work as well as regular computer chips, like x86.

Disadvantages of ARM Processor

While these processors have many advantages, they also come with some disadvantages that may affect their suitability for certain applications. So, here are some of the key disadvantages of an advanced RISC machine:

• Not All Software Works: Some apps and games are made only for x86 computers. So, they might not work on ARM devices.
• Less Power for Big Tasks: ARM chips are fast, but for very heavy work like video editing or big games, x86 chips are often faster.
• Too Many Versions: Different companies make different types of ARM chips. This can cause problems with apps or speed on some devices.
• Harder for Developers to Learn: Developers who are used to x86 may find ARM a bit tricky at first. It takes time to learn the new system.

Difference Between ARM and x86

The primary differences between ARM vs x86 architectures lie in their design philosophies. An advanced RISC machine is based on RISC, which emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, while x86 is based on CISC, which offers a more complex instruction set. This fundamental difference leads to several key distinctions:

1. Power Use

• ARM chips use less power, which is great for phones and tablets.
• x86 chips use more power, so they are better for plugged-in devices like computers.

2. Speed and Power

• ARM is good for saving energy.
• x86 is better for big jobs like gaming and video editing.

3. Apps and Software

• Most desktop apps and games are made for x86, so they may not work well on ARM.
• ARM has fewer software options for PC.

4. Where They are Used

• ARM is mostly used in phones, tablets, and smart devices.
• x86 is common in laptops, desktops, and also in servers.

Fastest ARM Processor

The Apple M4 is the fastest advanced RISC machine chip in 2025. It scores over 4,000 in Geekbench 6, showing great speed. The Arm Cortex-X925 also got 15% faster, making it better for many uses.

Top Companies Making ARM Chips

• Qualcomm: Their Snapdragon X Elite chip is doing well in Windows laptops. It generally gives great performance with low power use.
• NVIDIA: They plan to release new ARM chips in 2025. They might work with MediaTek to make powerful new products.
• System76: They made a strong ARM computer called Thelio Astra for things like self-driving car work.

New Trends with ARM

• More Competition: More companies like MediaTek and NVIDIA are joining the ARM chip race, giving people more choices.
• AI Features: New ARM chips are getting better at AI tasks like machine learning.
• Used Everywhere: ARM chips are now found in phones, laptops, smart devices, and even powerful computers.

What’s Next for ARM?

• More Innovation: Companies will keep making ARM chips faster and more useful.
• Bigger Market: ARM chips will show up in more homes as well as in businesses, even replacing x86 chips in some areas.
• Better Software: More apps and tools will be made to work well with ARM, helping it grow even more.

ARM processors are at the heart of countless embedded devices, offering efficiency, scalability, and performance. If you're interested in designing or programming systems that run on ARM architecture, our Embedded Systems Course offers hands-on training with real hardware and tools.

Conclusion

Advanced RISC machine chips have changed how we use computers, especially in phones and small devices. They are popular because they use little power, work well in many types of devices, and are not too expensive. However, they can struggle with very demanding tasks and may not run all software easily. Still, as technology grows, ARM is improving, especially with new uses in AI. With more devices using ARM, it will remain important for the future of computing.

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