by Joseph Yiu & Ian Johnson
While the majority of Cortex-M processor-based microcontrollers are single core designs, some new microcontrollers with multiple Cortex-M processors are also available. As multi-core designs are increasing in popularity and complexity, the methodologies of designing multi-core Cortex-M systems are becoming more critical. This paper introduces typical system level designs for multi-core Cortex-M microcontrollers and some of the various factors that need to be considered when designing the memory system, together with low power support and additional hardware to allow multi-core systems to work effectively. This paper also covers example debug subsystems for multi-core designs, the features typically needed in multiple core debug systems, such as debug event communication; and the way in which the Processor Integration Layer in ARM’ CoreSight™ SoC debug and trace technology supports the required debug functionality.
For those interested in multicore designs for Cortex-M processors please join us at TechCon 2015 for a panel session with industry experts titled:
"Simplifying software development for SoCs containing multiple Cortex-M based processors"
Location: Ballroom F
Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 4:30pm - 5:20pm
Format: 50-Minute Panel
Track: Embedded
Pass Type: Conference Pass
ARM TechCon 2015 Schedule | Simplifying Software Development for Socs Containing Multiple Cortex-M Based Processors
Abstract
In IoT and Wearable designs it can sometimes be better to use SoCs containing multiple Cortex-M processors rather than a single higher performance core. Such devices already exist and are successfully used, however sometimes a more unified software environment would make software development easier ideally a developer should be able to write higher-level code as if on a single processor.
With experts from MCU suppliers, RTOS and tool vendors, and from the developer community, this panel looks at the needs of multi-processor embedded software environments and what the embedded industry could do to make this a true success.
-an understanding of when multiple Cortex-M processor systems offer advantages -knowledge of the industry status in solving the software challenge -knowledge of where to find existing solutions.