Cortex-M Software Development Fundamentals

Cortex-M Software Development Fundamentals

This course is part of Arm Cortex-M Architecture and Software Development Specialization

Instructors: Uma Maheswari Ramalingam

Access provided by Talent Beyond Boundaries

4,818 already enrolled

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

35 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

35 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Compile and link Cortex-M applications using mandatory, recommended and commonly-used switches.
Debug and trace a Cortex-M application running on a Cortex-M device.
Boot and initialize a Cortex-M system using standard programming techniques.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Arm Cortex-M Architecture and Software Development Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

This course delves into software development topics such as working with Arm C/C++ compilers and Arm debug tools to optimize your software, whether it's for performance or code size. This course also looks more closely at the Common Microcontroller Software Interface Standard and how it helps ensure that software targeted at Cortex-M devices can be written using a consistent approach.This module describes the essential compiler and linker options required in order to develop applications targeted at different Arm embedded systems. The presentation includes information about Arm Compiler for Embedded and the GNU toolchain.

What's included

1 video

What's included

19 videos8 readings1 assignment

19 videos Total 84 minutes

Building a Project 4 minutes
Compiler Support for Arm Architecture & Functional Safety 4 minutes
Introduction to Arm Compiler 5 minutes
Language Support & Variable Types 4 minutes
C++ Support 3 minutes
Procedure Call Standard for the Arm Architecture (AAPCS) 7 minutes
Parameter Passing - Part 1 6 minutes
Parameter Passing - Part 2 5 minutes
Optimization Level & Algorithms 7 minutes
Selecting a Target 2 minutes
Mixing C/C++ with Assembly - Part 1 6 minutes
Mixing C/C++ with Assembly - Part 2 4 minutes
Linker and Optimization 7 minutes
Targeting your System's Memory Map 3 minutes
Scatter-loading 4 minutes
Libraries 4 minutes
Linker Diagnostics 2 minutes
Arm Compiler Troubleshooting 2 minutes
GNU Toolchain & Arm Compiler 5 (Appendix) 6 minutes

8 readings Total 80 minutes

Compiler & Linker Fundamentals Reference Material 10 minutes
Challenge: inlining a function 10 minutes
Answer: inlining a function 10 minutes
Challenge: fixing infinite loops 10 minutes
Answer: fixing infinite loops 10 minutes
Challenge: fixing inline assembly 10 minutes
Answer: fixing inline assembly 10 minutes
Download Course Slides 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Compiler & Linker Fundamentals 30 minutes

This module describes the debug and trace features available in the Armv8-M Mainline architecture.

What's included

10 videos1 reading1 assignment

10 videos Total 39 minutes

Introduction to Armv8-M Debug & Trace 8 minutes
Debugging with Breakpoints, Watchpoints, Semihosting & Vector Catch 9 minutes
Introduction to Trace 2 minutes
Micro Trace Buffer 1 minute
Instrumentation Trace Macrocell 5 minutes
DWT Trace Capture 2 minutes
Embedded Trace Macrocell 4 minutes
Trace Port Interface Unit 1 minute
Trace Port and Bandwidth, Trace Clock Considerations 2 minutes
Profiling 4 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Download Course Slides 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Armv8-M Debug 30 minutes

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.

What's included

19 videos1 reading1 assignment

19 videos Total 90 minutes

Introduction: Embedded Development Process 8 minutes
Default Startup and Initialization Sequence 6 minutes
Default Memory Map 3 minutes
Default Linker Placement Rules 3 minutes
C Libraries 6 minutes
Reset and Initialization 2 minutes
Possible Initialization Sequence 2 minutes
CMSIS Startup and Initialization 4 minutes
CMSIS-Core Startup & System Initialization Files 7 minutes
Post Startup Initialization 6 minutes
Writing Memory Description Files - Part 1 5 minutes
Writing Memory Description Files - Part 2 3 minutes
Placing the Stacks and Heap 6 minutes
Accessing Memory-mapped Registers 4 minutes
Ordering Objects in a Scatter File 5 minutes
Root Regions 3 minutes
MPU Initialization 3 minutes
Retargeting C Library 7 minutes
Building an Image Ready for Booting 7 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Download Course Slides 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Booting & initialization 30 minutes

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.