ARM CPU

Use this panel to specify the CPU type, and the encoding that the architecture uses. The build tools (compiler, linker, and assembler) then use the properties set in this panel to generate CPU-specific code.

The following table lists and describes the ARM CPU options.

Table 1. Tool Settings - ARM CPU Options
Option Description
Processor Lists the processor families supported by the ARM compiler. When you select a processor from this list, the compiler generates code that makes use of any of its hardware features or special instructions. For more detailed information on the features of each processor, refer to its reference manual document.
Floating Point Specifies handling method for floating point operations:
  • Software - C runtime library code emulates floating-point operations.
  • Hardware vfpv4 - Processor hardware performs floating point operations; only appropriate for processors that have floating-point units.
Default: Software For software selection, your project must include the appropriate FP_ARM C runtime library file. Grayed out if your target processor lacks an FPU.
Endianness Lists the byte order for the output file.
Mode Select the mode from the drop-down list.
Interworking (required for processor) Check to if you write ARM code that you want to interwork with Thumb code, or Thumb code that you want to interwork with ARM code. The only functions that need to be compiled for interworking are the functions that are called from the other state. The linker generates suitable interworking veneers when it links the assembler output. Clear if you write ARM code that you do not want to interwork with Thumb code, or Thumb code that you do not want to interwork with ARM code. If you check this checkbox, you must ensure that your code uses the correct interworking return instructions. The IDE enables this setting only for architectures and processors that support ARM/Thumb interworking.