ARM development environment for newbies

Question

I am looking for some information on programming ARM devices, in a particular non-particular way [1]. Assume that I am writing code for an ARM processor that is used a machine similar to a Apple II/Atari "**" XL/Commodore 64/DOS-PC, or even something that runs a multitasking OS like VMS or SUNOs. Assume further that any peripherals/OS specific stuff has already been abstracted into subroutines.Examples of this type of programing might be: a text/curses based game like rogue or moria; a curses based word processor ( or rather something based on a curses like library ) ; or a modem/terminal program.

I'm looking for two things. Materials to help learn ARM programming, though the ARM System Developers Guide may be enough, other resources would be helpful I'm looking in particular for something which explains the software ( and relative hardware ie registers ) differences of various generations of processor.

The other thing I'm looking for is a development environment which inculdes, emulation, a decent macro assembler, and a debugger. Along with any thing else that will help me see what is going on inside my programs.

[1] OK. Sorry I just couldn't resist that particular pun.

Answer 1

You have the choice of using ARM Cortex M or A series. If you are going to develop high end applications such as those which run on smartphones / tablets, then learning about ARM A is your choice. If you are going for an emphasis with hardware/low level stuff such as controllers then you should go for ARM Cortex-M. If you are into real time applications (which I doubt is your case, them use the R series).

Most of these new ARM generations are based on ARMv7 architecture and ISA, so reading the manuals on that could get you started. Most recently, a new ARMv8 architecture and ISA have been announced, it supports 64 bit processing.

Download the reference and technical manuals from ARM site to learn about the HW/peripherals.

I would go with auslen's suggestion of buying a board, you could go with TI's Stellaris Launch pad which has an ARM-M4F processor (supports floating point and SIMD), it sells for 12.99$ http://www.ti.com/ww/en/launchpad/stellaris_head.html?DCMP=stellaris-launchpad&HQS=stellaris-launchpad-b

or you could go with ST's discovery board (based on the same processor as above), but has audio, accelerometer and usb on board. it sells for 14.99$ http://www.st.com/internet/evalboard/product/252419.jsp or the STM F3 board (10.99$) http://www.st.com/internet/evalboard/product/254044.jsp

In any case, you need to check the examples which come with the board, without which you could go nowhere easily. The board comes with its own drivers, all is abstracted in a way, so you could get started from there!

As for OS, if your interest is an RTOS, ARM provides the CMSIS RTOS for it's M series processors http://www.arm.com/products/processors/cortex-m/cortex-microcontroller-software-interface-standard.php

This book offers an introduction to the generations of ARM processors. Then focuses on cortex M3. It covers its ISA with lots of assembly code. It also addresses the built-in peripherals and how to start-up with C. http://www.amazon.ca/Definitive-Guide-ARM-Cortex-M3/dp/185617963X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352506616&sr=8-1

good luck