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Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals

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Edmund Player, Graham Cunningham, Salman Arif, Nick Tompkins, Shirley Zou, Peter Rielly, Yang Song, and Matt Rushton

Edmund Player, Graham Cunningham, Salman Arif, Nick Tompkins, Shirley Zou, Peter Rielly, Yang Song, and Matt Rushton

The course includes fundamental architecture topics that are key to understanding how any Cortex-M processor functions internally. The course focuses specifically on the Armv8-M version of the Arm Architecture, which processors like the Cortex-M33 and Cortex-M55 are based on. However, even if you're working with older processors based on earlier versions of the architecture, like Armv6-M or Armv7-M, a lot of the information is mostly still very relevant and useful.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The course includes fundamental architecture topics that are key to understanding how any Cortex-M processor functions internally. The course focuses specifically on the Armv8-M version of the Arm Architecture, which processors like the Cortex-M33 and Cortex-M55 are based on. However, even if you're working with older processors based on earlier versions of the architecture, like Armv6-M or Armv7-M, a lot of the information is mostly still very relevant and useful.

Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers fundamentals of Cortex-M processors, including architecture, assembly programming, memory model, and exception handling

Taught by instructors with experience in Arm architecture and Cortex-M processors

Suitable for learners working with older Armv6-M or Armv7-M processors

Includes optional module on Memory Protection, providing insights into MPU programming and optimization

Provides a comprehensive understanding of Armv8-M architecture for embedded system development

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Reviews summary

Armv8-m: clear foundational overview

According to students, Arm's "Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals" offers a solid and comprehensive foundation for understanding the core Armv8-M architecture. Many praise its clear explanations and well-structured modules, particularly for the Programmers' Model, Assembly Programming, and Exception Handling. It is frequently highlighted as perfect for newcomers to Armv8-M or those transitioning from older architectures. However, some learners express a desire for more practical examples or hands-on exercises, finding the course to be quite theoretical. There are also mentions of the presentation style being dated by older reviews, though more recent feedback is largely positive, suggesting continued relevance.

Best suited for professionals or those new to Armv8-M with prior embedded experience.

"Helpful for professionals. As an embedded engineer, I needed to refresh my knowledge."

"Perfect for newcomers to Armv8-M. I had some Armv7-M experience, and this course helped me transition."

"Good for absolute beginners to Armv8-M, but I don't think it's for complete beginners in microcontrollers."

"It's a foundational course, so don't expect to become an expert, but it sets you up very well."

Provides a solid and well-structured introduction to the architecture.

"Excellent fundamental course. Covered all the basics of Armv8-M architecture, especially the programmers' model..."

"Perfect for newcomers to Armv8-M... The explanations are concise and the syllabus covers exactly what's advertised."

"It provides a solid foundation for anyone starting with Armv8-M. The assembly programming sections were particularly well done."

"This course offered me a clear, precise, and essential understanding of the fundamentals."

Some reviewers noted the presentation style could be modernized.

"Dated material delivery. The information is generally correct, but the presentation style could be modernized."

"It felt like watching a lecture from a few years ago. I think it needs more modern examples."

"I found some parts a bit dry and challenging to stay engaged with the presentation style."

Strong on theory but often lacks practical application and examples.

"Decent, but lacks hands-on exercises. The information is there, but it's very theoretical."

"I wished for more advanced examples or a deeper dive into practical applications beyond just theory."

"I found it hard to stay engaged. There wasn't enough practical application or visual aids."

"This course could use more demos and coding examples to be truly useful; it felt too theoretical."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Basic Computer Architecture

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Solidify your understanding of basic computer architecture to provide a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

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Read the textbook chapters on basic computer architecture.
Review your notes from previous courses on computer architecture.
Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.

Join a Study Group for the Course

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, work through problems, and enhance your understanding.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Design and Implement a Simple Embedded System Using Cortex-M

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Apply your knowledge of Cortex-M processors to build a practical embedded system, solidifying your understanding of the architecture.

Browse courses on Embedded Systems Design

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Choose an embedded system project.
Design the hardware and software components.
Implement the software using Cortex-M assembly or C.
Test and debug the system.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Participate in a Microcontroller Programming Competition

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Challenge yourself in a competition setting to test your skills, foster creativity, and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

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Find a microcontroller programming competition that aligns with your interests.
Form a team and develop a project proposal.
Implement and test your project.
Submit your project and present it to the judges.

Tutor or Mentor Junior Students in Arm Architecture

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Reinforce your understanding of the course material by teaching and assisting others. Also build confidence.

Browse courses on Arm Architecture

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Volunteer as a tutor or mentor.
Prepare lesson plans and materials.
Meet with students regularly to answer questions and provide guidance.

Career center

Learners who complete Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems, which are computer systems that are embedded within a larger mechanical or electrical system. These systems are typically used in a variety of applications, such as automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Embedded Systems Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to develop more efficient and reliable embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Firmware Engineer

Firmware Engineers design, develop, and test firmware, which is the software that controls embedded systems. Firmware Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the architecture of the embedded system they are working on, as well as the programming languages and tools used to develop firmware. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Firmware Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to develop more efficient and reliable firmware.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test hardware, which is the physical components of a computer system. Hardware Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the architecture of the computer system they are working on, as well as the materials and processes used to manufacture hardware. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Hardware Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to design more efficient and reliable hardware.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software, which is the set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. Software Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the architecture of the computer system they are working on, as well as the programming languages and tools used to develop software. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Software Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to develop more efficient and reliable software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists study the theory and practice of computation. They design and develop new algorithms and data structures, and they study the performance and efficiency of computer systems. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Computer Scientists to better understand how these systems function and to design more efficient and reliable computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems, which are used in a variety of applications, such as power generation, transmission, and distribution. Electrical Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the principles of electricity and magnetism, as well as the materials and processes used to manufacture electrical systems. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Electrical Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to design more efficient and reliable electrical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware, which is the physical components of a computer system. Computer Hardware Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the architecture of computer systems, as well as the materials and processes used to manufacture computer hardware. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Computer Hardware Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to design more efficient and reliable computer hardware.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Software Engineer

Computer Software Engineers design, develop, and test computer software, which is the set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. Computer Software Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the architecture of computer systems, as well as the programming languages and tools used to develop software. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Computer Software Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to develop more efficient and reliable computer software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Software Engineer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study the needs of an organization and design and implement computer systems to meet those needs. Systems Analysts need to have a strong understanding of business processes, as well as the principles of computer science. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Systems Analysts to better understand how these systems function and to design and implement more efficient and reliable computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Information Security Analysts need to have a strong understanding of computer security principles, as well as the latest threats and vulnerabilities. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Information Security Analysts to better understand how these systems function and to protect them from security threats and vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer networks. Network Engineers need to have a strong understanding of the principles of networking, as well as the different types of network technologies. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Network Engineers to better understand how these systems function and to design and maintain more efficient and reliable computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and maintain databases. Database Administrators need to have a strong understanding of database management principles, as well as the different types of database technologies. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Database Administrators to better understand how these systems function and to design and maintain more efficient and reliable databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. Web Developers need to have a strong understanding of web development principles, as well as the different web development technologies. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Web Developers to better understand how these systems function and to design and maintain more efficient and reliable websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Tester

Software Testers test software to find and fix bugs. Software Testers need to have a strong understanding of software testing principles, as well as the different software testing tools and techniques. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Software Testers to better understand how these systems function and to test software more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Technical Writer

Technical Writers write documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. Technical Writers need to have a strong understanding of the subject matter they are writing about, as well as the principles of technical writing. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course provides a strong foundation in the architecture of Armv8-M processors, which are commonly used in embedded systems. This knowledge can help Technical Writers to better understand how these systems function and to write more accurate and informative documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals.

Cover image

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The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and Cortex®...

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Provides a detailed overview of the Arm Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processors, which are based on the Armv8-M architecture.

The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and Cortex®...

The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and Cortex®...

Cover image

Cover image

Mastering Embedded Linux Programming

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Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded Linux programming, including how to use the Armv8-M architecture.

Mastering Embedded Linux Programming - Third...

Mastering Embedded Linux Programming: Create fast...

Cover image

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Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated...

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Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems, including the Armv8-M architecture.

Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated...

Cover image

Cover image

Embedded Linux Primer

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Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded Linux programming, including how to use the Armv8-M architecture.

Embedded Linux Primer: A Practical, Real-World...

Cover image

Cover image

ARM System Developer's Guide

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Provides a comprehensive overview of ARM system development, including the Armv8-M architecture.

ARM System Developer's Guide: Designing and...

ARM System Developer's Guide: Designing and...

Cover image

Cover image

Embedded Systems

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Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems, including the Armv8-M architecture.

Embedded Systems: A Contemporary Design Tool

Embedded Systems: A Contemporary Design Tool

Cover image

Cover image

The Art of ARM Assembly

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Provides a comprehensive overview of assembly language programming, including the Armv8-M architecture.

The Art of ARM Assembly

The Art of ARM Assembly

Cover image

Cover image

The 8051 Microcontroller

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Provides a comprehensive overview of microcontrollers, including the Armv8-M architecture.

The 8051 Microcontroller and Embedded Systems (2nd...

Microprocessors: Student Book and Lab Manual...

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Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

Arm

Instructors

Edmund Player

Graham Cunningham

Salman Arif

Nick Tompkins

Shirley Zou

Peter Rielly

Yang Song

Matt Rushton

Language

English

Transcripts

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This course belongs to a collection called Arm Cortex-M Architecture and Software Development. It's comprised of four courses:

Advanced Armv8-M Features
Arm Cortex-M Processors Overview
Cortex-M Software Development Fundamentals
Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals (viewing)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers fundamentals of Cortex-M processors, including architecture, assembly programming, memory model, and exception handling

Taught by instructors with experience in Arm architecture and Cortex-M processors

Suitable for learners working with older Armv6-M or Armv7-M processors

Includes optional module on Memory Protection, providing insights into MPU programming and optimization

Provides a comprehensive understanding of Armv8-M architecture for embedded system development

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