The ARM720T processor is a general-purpose 32-bit microprocessor with 8KB cache, enlarged write buffer, and Memory Management Unit (MMU) combined in a single chip. The ARM720T processor uses the ARM7TDMI-S CPU, and is software-compatible with the ARM processor family.

The on-chip mixed data and instruction cache, together with the write buffer, substantially raise the average execution speed and reduce the average amount of memory bandwidth required by the processor. This enables the external memory to support additional processors or Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels with minimal performance loss.

The MMU supports a conventional two-level page table structure and several extensions that make it ideal for running high-end embedded applications and sophisticated operating systems.

The allocation of virtual addresses with different task IDs improves performance in task switching operations with the cache enabled. These relocated virtual addresses are monitored by the EmbeddedICE-RT block.

The memory interface enables the performance potential to be realized without incurring high costs in the memory system. Speed-critical control signals are pipelined to allow system control functions to be implemented in standard low-power logic. These control signals permit the exploitation of paged mode access offered by industry-standard DRAMs.

The ARM720T processor is provided with an Embedded Trace Macrocell (ETM) interface that brings out the required signals from the ARM core to the periphery of the ARM720T processor. This enables you to connect a standard ETM7 macrocell.

The ARM720T processor is a fully static part and has been designed to minimize power requirements. This makes it ideal for portable applications where low power consumption is essential.

The ARM720T processor architecture is based on Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) principles. The instruction set and related decode mechanism are greatly simplified compared with microprogrammed Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISCs).

A block diagram of the ARM720T processor is shown in Figure 1.1.

The functional signals on the ARM720T processor are shown in Figure 1.2.