Cortex-M Software Development Fundamentals

This module introduces the course which delves into software development topics such as working with Arm C/C++ compilers and Arm debug tools to optimize software for performance or code size. It also covers the Common Microcontroller Software Interface Standard.

This module describes the essential compiler and linker options required to develop applications targeted at different Arm embedded systems. The presentation includes information about Arm Compiler for Embedded and the GNU toolchain. It covers building projects, compiler support for Arm architecture, language support, C++ support, procedure call standards, parameter passing, optimization levels, mixing C/C++ with assembly, targeting memory maps, scatter-loading, libraries, and troubleshooting.

This module describes the debug and trace features available in the Armv8-M Mainline architecture. It covers debugging with breakpoints, watchpoints, semihosting, vector catch, and various trace capabilities including Micro Trace Buffer, Instrumentation Trace Macrocell, DWT Trace Capture, Embedded Trace Macrocell, Trace Port Interface Unit, and profiling.

The Booting and Initialization module takes you through essential startup code that can ensure that the processor and system are configured and initialised appropriately before the 'main' function is reached in the C program. It covers embedded development processes, default startup sequences, memory maps, linker placement rules, C libraries, reset and initialization, CMSIS startup and system initialization, post startup initialization, writing memory description files, placing stacks and heap, accessing memory-mapped registers, ordering objects in scatter files, root regions, MPU initialization, retargeting C library, and building images ready for booting.

This module introduces Tarmac trace from Fast Models, and uses that to walk through everything a Cortex-M3 device would do if used with CMSIS code from Reset to the main() function, to triggering an interrupt using the NVIC. Although the module is related to a Cortex-M3 device, the details presented also apply to any Armv7-M / Armv8-M device, acting as a recap of all the content covered in this M-profile course. It covers reset handling, startup sequences, exception handling, and provides a comprehensive recap of the Cortex-M architecture.