At embedded world 2016 ARM announced the smallest and lowest power ARMv8-A ARM Cortex-A32 processor, providing ultra-efficient 32-bit compute for the next generation of embedded products.
We also announced the latest high-performance real-time ARM Cortex-R8 processor, based on the ARMv7-R architecture. ARM Cortex-R8 introduces new features to meet the demands of next-generation storage device controllers and mobile communications with a particular focus on the upcoming 5G cellular wireless standard.
The ARM Compiler team has been working alongside the processor team to deliver the best compiler to support the new ARM Cortex-A32 and Cortex-R8. We're pleased to bring to you the ARM Compiler 6.4, which not only supports both new cores, but brings benefits to existing users with further performance improvements, full support for the Cortex-R family and enhance the support for ARMv8-M and ARMv7-M.
ARM Compiler 6.0 was introduced for the first time in April 2014, giving birth to the new LLVM-based ARM Compiler 6 series. The first release was limited to the ARMv8-A architecture and was mainly focused on partners working on cutting-edge technology. In July 2015, ARM Compiler 6.02 completed the support for ARM Cortex-A processors adding ARMv7-A. ARM Compiler 6.3, released last November, extended the list of supported devices to the ARM Cortex-M family.
Today, with ARM Compiler 6.4 supporting ARM Cortex-R, we are pleased to announce that the all three Cortex families Cortex-A, -R and -M are now fully supported!
The best class optimizer ARM Compiler and the new Cortex-R8 processor are the perfect combination to meet the performance requirements for the next-generation real-time applications.
Last November, ARM announced the introduction of the new ARMv8-M architecture for the next generation ARM Cortex-M processor family. ARM recognized the importance of security for ARM Cortex-M devices and made TrustZone available as a feature within the ARMv8-M architecture. TrustZone® creates two separate secure and non-secure worlds with the capability to quickly and efficiently switch between one and the other with a fine-grained control implemented at the hardware level.
ARM Compiler 6.4 fully supports the new TrustZone security extensions and it’s the ideal tool to develop secure software to protect your embedded or Internet of Things device.
Explore how to write secure code with ARM Compiler in the documentation.
Another important security feature implemented in some embedded devices is Execute-only memory (XOM). Execute-only memory allows only instruction fetches and blocks any attempt to read and/or write the protected area. The main benefit is the ability to protect your Intellectual Property by preventing executable code to be read by users. For example it’s possible to place the secure firmware in execute-only memory and load user code separately; the user code won’t be able to read the protected firmware, enhancing the security of your device.
With ARM Compiler 6.4 it is possible to use the option –mexecute-only to generate code without any data access to the code sections: read more about this feature on Infocenter.
ARM Compiler 6.4 is available to download today from the new developer.arm.com website. Alternatively, ARM Compiler 6.4 will be integrated in the next release of DS-5 v5.24.
Do have any questions? Feel free to reply to this blog post or send me an email, any feedback is welcome!
Ciao,
Stefano