Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals from Coursera

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.

Programmers' Model

This module is an essential foundation module for any Armv8-M Mainline implementation training course. It introduces the programmers model for the Armv8-M architecture.

Assembly Programming

This module is an essential foundation module for any Armv8-M Mainline implementation course. It introduces the syntax and functionality of the assembly instructions used on all Armv8-M processors, which is crucial for configuration and debugging.

Memory Model

This module is an essential foundation module for any Armv8-M Mainline implementation training course. It introduces the memory model for the Armv8-M architecture.

Memory Protection

This is an optional module with the following learning objectives of describing the need for a Memory Protection Unit (MPU), understanding how the Armv8-M MPU differs to previous Armv7-M and Arm6-M MPUs, describing the different memory-mapped MPU registers, Configuring memory regions by programming the MPU registers, explaining how to optimise MPU programming.

Exception Handling

This module is an essential foundation module for any Armv8-M Mainline implementation training course. It introduces the Exception Handling model for the Armv8-M architecture.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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