ARM adds single and dual core processors
to Cortex-R real time family
31/01/2011
ARM is extending its Cortex-R family of real time processors with two new models:
the R5 and R7.
Both cores complement the R4, which was launched in 2006.
Andrew Frame, ARM’s cpu product manager, said the move was in response to feedback from partners.
“The range has been extended to meet future needs for the segments targeted by the processor.”G
According to Frame, the R4 is used mostly in SoCs and large systems.
“It has been successful in baseband processors, as mobile phones move from 3G to LTE, in mass storage systems and as an automotive microcontroller.”
The R5,
which features an eight stage pipelined core, runs at 1.66DMIPS/MHz.
Single and dual core options are available.
“It has extra system level features to allow designers to get more power efficient, more cost effective products to market,” Frame noted.
“The R7, meanwhile, enables much greater performance.”
The R7, with an 11 stage pipeline, is also available in single or dual core formats, with each core offering 2.53DMIPS/MHz.
Although not intended for such use, the R4 has been implemented as a multicore design.
“But, with the R5,” Frame noted, “you can put down one or two cores and not have to worry about how they work together.
” The R5 is an asymmetric design, but is coherent with the cache.
The R7, however, can be designed as a symmetric multiprocessor.
ARM expects applications for the Cortex-R family to extend into such markets as medical, aerospace and printing
The Cortex-R5 has already been made available to lead customers and Frame anticipates products based on this core to appear early in 2012.
“The R7, however, has a much bigger jump in performance,” he continued, “and this will not be available until Q3 2011.”
Author
Graham Pitcher
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