After a decade of revisions to the ARMv8 architecture, . The ARMv9 provides the processor capability for specialized computing in AI and ML, enhanced security, and the , which uses a “system-wide” approach to optimizing system-on-a-chip (SoC) performance.
According to the , the ARM architecture's future in the coming years will realize “any OS, on any ARM-based hardware” with the ServerReady program.
A high-level image of ARM's development in the coming decade is trending towards specialized processing. “The Future of Arm Architecture” screenshot used courtesy of
To develop the most secure platform, ARM has partnered up with many technology firms, most notably on security improvements from the University of Cambridge and Google, which address security concerns in software and hardware.
The University of Cambridge Develops the “CHERI” on Top
Late last year, ARM released the Morello architecture specification, which implements the .
CHERI has two key features: memory protection and scalable software compartmentalization. These two features help prevent widespread system breaches by breaking up the OS and applications into separate domains.
CHERI's software model for enhanced RISC architecture. Image used courtesy of the
Encrypting Memory Accessors With Tag Checking
and initially implemented in the ARMv8-A specification, memory tag extension is a hardware specification that enables tagged memory addresses to perform a “lock and key” operation with memory pointers to determine the validity of access.
High-level hardware platform designed to implement MTE tag checks, part of the AMBA 5 Coherent Hub Interface (CHI) specification. Image used courtesy of
ARMv9 is a Milestone Development
According to Simon Segars, CEO of ARM, the ARMv9 roadmap will enable creating an ecosystem of more than 1000 technology partners.
Data security is one of the most demanding constraints on system design. ARM partners believe that CCA will reduce development costs dedicated to security and make available those resources for future innovation.
ARMv9 tackles computing's biggest security challenges and brings improved performance for the most demanding consumer applications, in the cloud, and at the edge of the networked world.
Virtualization, security, and high-performance computing applications are just some of the interesting developments coming down the pipeline from ARM.
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