Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/armv8-m-architecture-fundamentals
For anyone working with or aspiring to work with embedded systems, understanding the underlying architecture of the processors is paramount. The Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course on Coursera offers a comprehensive and accessible entry point into this complex world.
This course, focusing on the Armv8-M architecture that powers modern processors like the Cortex-M33 and Cortex-M55, provides a solid foundation for anyone in the embedded space. Even if your current projects utilize older Arm architectures such as Armv6-M or Armv7-M, the principles covered here remain highly relevant and offer valuable insights into how these systems function internally.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, starting with a broad course introduction that sets the stage. It then dives into the crucial ‘Programmers’ Model,’ which is essential for grasping how to interact with any Armv8-M processor. Following this, the ‘Assembly Programming’ module is a standout, demystifying the syntax and functionality of assembly instructions. This is incredibly useful for anyone involved in low-level configuration, optimization, or debugging.
The ‘Memory Model’ module lays the groundwork for understanding data organization and access, a critical aspect of embedded system design. The optional ‘Memory Protection’ module is particularly noteworthy. It not only explains the necessity of Memory Protection Units (MPUs) but also details how the Armv8-M MPU compares to its predecessors and provides practical guidance on configuring memory regions for enhanced security and reliability.
Finally, the ‘Exception Handling’ module rounds out the core learning, explaining how processors manage interrupts and exceptions – a fundamental concept for creating robust and responsive embedded applications.
Overall, the Armv8-M Architecture Fundamentals course is an excellent resource. It strikes a good balance between theoretical knowledge and practical relevance, making it a highly recommended course for embedded engineers, firmware developers, and students looking to deepen their understanding of Arm processor architecture.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/armv8-m-architecture-fundamentals