ARM next generation with 64-bit processor expected in 2014
ARM has given first technical details of its next generation ARMv8 architecture, the first ARM architecture to include a 64-bit instruction set.
ARMv8 architecture's 64-bit processing and virtual addressing differentiates it from the 32-bit ARMv7 architecture which the Cortex-A9 and Cortex-A15 processors are built on.
"We believe the ARMv8 architecture is ideally suited to enable the ARM partnership to continue to grow in 32-bit application spaces and bring diverse, innovative and energy-efficient solutions to 64-bit processing markets,” said Mike Muller, chief technology officer at ARM
The ARMv8 architecture consists of two main execution states, AArch64 and AArch32.
The AArch64 execution state introduces a new instruction set, A64 for 64-bit processing. The AArch32 state supports the existing ARM instruction set.
It retains the TrustZone, virtualization and NEON advanced SIMD from the current ARMv7 architecture.
Design support for the 64-bit instruction set comes in the form of compiler and Fast Models which are already available to specific ecosystem partners.
Initial support for a range of open source operating systems, applications and third-party tools is already in development. Working together the ARM partnership is collaborating to accelerate development of a 64-bit ecosystem, in many cases as a natural extension to the broad ecosystem in place to support ARMv7 based devices in the market today.
"The evolution of ARM to support a 64-bit architecture is a significant development for ARM and for the ARM ecosystem," said KD Hallman, general manager at Microsoft.
According to ARM, the ARMv8 architecture will enable the development of ARM architecture compatible devices that can be designed to maximize the benefits across both 32-bit and 64-bit application areas.
The 64-bit architecture will be of interest for high-end servers and computer designs.
The ARMv8 architecture specifications describing all aspects of the ARMv8 architecture are available now to partners under license. ARM will disclose processors based on ARMv8 during 2012, with consumer and enterprise prototype systems expected in 2014....RESOURCES
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