ARM Processors

As electricity is to the grid, transistors are to computers. Developed in 1978, Intel’s 8086 16-bit chip served as the first processor used in any personal computer and went on to establish the x86 architecture [1]. Established in 1985 by Acorn Computers, ARM (Advanced RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) Machine) was a license design alternative which required higher level programming to interface with components but the code necessary to execute a task was far less and therefore allowed designs to be smaller and reduced manufacturing costs.

Due to efficiency and limited enclosure footprints, Acorn’s design was implemented in 98% of mobile devices by 2005 predating releases of the Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and more [2]. Today, 99% have adopted this architecture with further integration beginning in tablets, laptops, desktops, and smartwatches due to largescale success.

While Acorn themselves manufactures very few processors, their designs are continuously refined and optimized with extensive licensing from companies including Apple, Qualcomm, Samsung, Nvidia, and Google who each implement unique customizations and patents. Across years of advancement, these companies have collectively designed on-chip multicore CPUs, security cores, image processing units, isolated graphics rendering, wireless connectivity modems, and most recently neural engines dedicated to AI tasks (none of which are possible with x86) [3]. Additionally, some have begun soldering their processors, RAM, and SSD modules on the same piece of silicon thereby further increasing further increasing efficiency and computing capabilities.

Just as Acorn Computers developed ARM to compete with Intel’s x86, RISC-V International has recently entered the processor market with open-source licensing for ARM-based devices [2]. While like Acorn in many ways, RISC-V differs by providing completely customizable architecture companies can access for far less cost. Ideally, this allows for access to more companies, greater innovation year-over-year, individual specialization, and a more affordable product better for the consumer.

While few companies have moved to RISC-V, Acorn is rumored to undergo substantial loss if Apple, Qualcomm, and others follow through with their projected transition in the following years. (Although unlikely for technology companies exercising vertical integration, it is unclear if this could pose possible incompatibility issues across shared OS devices). Disregarding the licenser, ARM processors have (and will continue to) shape the world around us. From smartphones, to smartwatches, to vehicle infotainment systems (whether electric or internal combustion), day-to-day tasks would not be possible. Like all other technologies, chip architecture will continue to improve with time and hopefully fuel meaningful worldly changes in a positive way.

[1]         l. Morgan. “The Complete Computer Processor History.” https://www.hardwarecentral.com/processor-history/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

[2]         M. Connatser. “What is ARM: The History of ISA and what’s to come.” https://www.xda-developers.com/arm/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

[3]         JS Dev Journalist. “The Super Simple Guide to Understanding ARM Processors.” https://jsdevjournal.com/the-super-simple-guide-to-understanding-arm-processors/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

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