cortexpromo.jpg
cortexpromo.jpg
cortexpromo.jpg
cortexpromo.jpg
cortexpromo.jpg

Cortex-M23 and M33 Incorporate Latest TrustZone Features

Oct. 27, 2016
ARM’s latest Cortex-M platforms using the ARMv8-M architecture are out. They include the Cortex-M23 and Cortex-M33 families.
1. The ARMv8-M TrustZone supports provides secure code and peripheral execution environments.

ARM’s latest Cortex-M platforms using the ARMv8-M architecture are out. They include the Cortex-M23 and Cortex-M33 families, and they specifically target applications for the Internet of Things (IoT). One of the main features of the ARMv8-M architecture is the ARM TrustZone security support (Fig. 1) with its secure and non-secure states.

The Cortex-M23 targets the same space as the Cortex-M0+ very-small, ultra-low-power systems, while the Cortex-M33 targets the higher-end Cortex-M3 space. A platform for the higher-end Cortex-M7 is likely in the works, although the Cortex-M33 has floating point support.

The two platforms share a number of features, including the new instruction set support for TrustZone that is integrated with the new memory protection unit (MPU). The MPU provides 16 isolation regions that can be shared among applications. The region protection extends to peripherals. Features from the ARMv7-M include enhanced conditional compare and branch instructions, as well as immediate move instructions. There is also improved atomic support for C11/C++11 load-acquire and load-release instructions for more efficient semaphore handling.

2. The Cortex-M33 adds features such as a three-stage pipeline and an FPU.

The platforms differ in implementation, with a two-stage pipeline for the Cortex-M23 and a three-stage pipeline for the Cortex-M33. This provides the Cortex-M33 with more performance. The Cortex-M33 has additional options, such as a floating point unit (FPU) and DSP instructions (Fig. 2).

Chips based on the Cortex-M23 and Cortex-M33 are still in the works, but turnover to sampling products from ARM licensees is expected to be early next year.

Sponsored Recommendations

Board-Mount DC/DC Converters in Medical Applications

March 27, 2024
AC/DC or board-mount DC/DC converters provide power for medical devices. This article explains why isolation might be needed and which safety standards apply.

Use Rugged Multiband Antennas to Solve the Mobile Connectivity Challenge

March 27, 2024
Selecting and using antennas for mobile applications requires attention to electrical, mechanical, and environmental characteristics: TE modules can help.

Out-of-the-box Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity with AWS IoT ExpressLink

March 27, 2024
This demo shows how to enroll LTE-M and Wi-Fi evaluation boards with AWS IoT Core, set up a Connected Health Solution as well as AWS AT commands and AWS IoT ExpressLink security...

How to Quickly Leverage Bluetooth AoA and AoD for Indoor Logistics Tracking

March 27, 2024
Real-time asset tracking is an important aspect of Industry 4.0. Various technologies are available for deploying Real-Time Location.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!