ARM architecture facts for kids
ARM architecture is a special way that computer brains, called CPUs, are designed. Think of a CPU as the main engine of a computer. ARM CPUs are super popular because they use very little electricity and don't get very hot. This makes them perfect for devices that run on battery power, like your cell phones, tablet computers, and handheld game consoles. They often don't even need a cooling fan!
Many different kinds of devices use ARM CPUs. In fact, in 2013, ARM was the most used design for 32-bit CPUs in the world. Since then, billions of ARM chips are made every day. Newer ARM chips can handle 64-bit information. This means they can use much more memory (like the computer's short-term brain). Most modern smartphones use these powerful 64-bit ARM chips. The Linux operating system is also very commonly used with ARM CPUs.
Who Makes ARM Chips?
Many big technology companies make chips using the ARM design. Here are some of the main ones:
What Uses ARM Chips?
You might be surprised how many devices around you have an ARM chip inside!
- Most Android phones and tablets
- Apple iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads
- Samsung Chromebooks
- Popular game consoles like the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch
- Devices that use Windows RT and Windows Phone
- Many Wi-Fi routers and other network devices
- Digital cameras
- DVD and Blu-ray players
- Some newer televisions
- Some car stereos
- The Raspberry Pi, which is a small, affordable computer often used for learning and projects.
Related pages
Images for kids
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ARM1 2nd processor for the BBC Micro
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Die of an ARM610 microprocessor
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Die of a STM32F103VGT6 ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller with 1 MB flash memory by STMicroelectronics
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Tronsmart MK908, a Rockchip-based quad-core Android "mini PC", with a microSD card next to it for a size comparison
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An ARMv7 was used to power older versions of the popular Raspberry Pi single-board computers like this Raspberry Pi 2 from 2015.
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An ARMv7 is also used to power the CuBox family of single-board computers.
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ARMv8-A Platform with Cortex A57/A53 MPCore big.LITTLE CPU chip
See also
In Spanish: Arquitectura ARM para niños
