ARM chip architecture the next significant stop in the processor race

Gunjan thakurMarch 30, 2022

The Simple ARM design takes centre stage

Processors or CPU can be broadly classified as Intel chips, AMD chips, and ARM chips. They are basically identified by the manufacturer names and each one has acquired legendary status in the computing field. For the most part, if the specifications do not mention a chip prefixed with Intel or AMD, it is most likely that the chip is an ARM CPU. ARM, should really need no introduction, but not many users know that ARM is an acronym for Advanced RISC Machines. And the acronym within the acronym — RISC — stands for Reduced instruction set computing.

At the basic level, ARM and Intel chips are based on dissimilar guiding principles. While Intel relies on the CISC or Complex Instruction Set Computing, which requires complex hardware, the ARM culture stems from a more user-friendly approach.

The ARM philosophy is to keep matters simple and uses simple hardware with complex software. Importantly, both types offer low energy consumption. A hallmark of ARM processors is the simplicity of their design which facilitates better multi-core functioning than its counterparts.

ARM processors are largely used in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Significant and popular lines like Samsung’s Galaxy devices, Apple’s iPhones and iPads, and Microsoft’s Surface devices among others use ARM processors.

Apple has displaced x86 Intel lines with ARM processors

Apple, with a radical strategic move, recently moved away from its long association with the CISC-based x86 Intel chips. The bold transition in favour of a custom ARM – based chip stems from Apple’s wish for a chip that is faster and cooler. Like its earlier mega transitions, this move too has elevated Apple’s device performance. After shipping its first ARM processor-based Macs in late 2020, we have witnessed the Apple ecosystem take the necessary performance leap that is natural to Apple’s lifespan. This is clear from Apple’s Ipad Pro and Ipad Air which boast the new M1 processor – an ARM-based adaptation.

AMD to incorporate ARM technology into its processor line

ARM chips seem destined to power AMD-driven devices too. After Apple’s success with the ARM-based M1 chip, AMD, which is a dominating player in processor design, seems all set to capitalise on the newly accepted ARM chip relevance. Soon, AMD fans will be able to get their hands on tablets, laptops, and desktops built around ARM-based AMD processor architecture. With that, the next evolutionary step in the chip race would have truly begun.

Functional characteristics of ARM processors,

• ARM processors optimize pathways as they are designed to perform fewer instructions so they are able to perform at higher speeds.
• ARM CPUs follow single cycle execution.
• An ARM CPU houses fewer transistors and so has a smaller footprint. This is one of the reasons it is found running most smaller, portable devices.
• ARM CPUs exhibit low latency and a fast response time.
• ARM uses the scaling out approach as opposed to Intel’s more heavy and intense structure. Simply put, ARM incorporates hundreds of small transistors that shoulder the processing tasks. This way, it maintains high processing speeds and consumes less energy.
• ARM uses a variable-length instruction set extending 16-bit instructions to 32-bit instructions.
• It uses a large number of registers and so can minimize memory interactions.
• ARM processors can be used in device systems that incorporate multiple processors. This means they are designed to function in a machine where more than one processor is needed to execute functions.
• Its RISC principle allows greater functioning when it comes to lower-level languages in coding.

Conclusion

While it is clear that Intel x86 processors are faster and more powerful, ARM CPUs are more relevant when it comes to mobile devices.

A powerful statement comes from the leader in innovation – Apple – who claims that its newest line of ARM-based M1 chips makes the latest MacBooks twice as fast at a reduced level of power consumption, to deliver the best performance per watt.

While this seems to be a superlative adaptation of ARM by the Apple design team, it is a huge endorsement for the time-honored ARM chip technology.