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Arm Cortex-R82 is a 64-bit real-time processor design for storage controllers and computational-storage devices—not a processor chip sold directly to consumers. Its optional memory management unit (MMU) enables Linux and other rich operating systems to run on a storage controller alongside real-time workloads. Arm says implementations can use up to eight cores and address up to 1TB of DRAM.
What is the Arm Cortex-R82?
Announced by Arm on September 3, 2020, Cortex-R82 is processor intellectual property (IP) for system designers building enterprise storage controllers and computational-storage devices. It is the first 64-bit Cortex-R processor from Arm with Linux capability. Unlike a finished CPU that consumers can buy and install, Cortex-R82 is a design that manufacturers can license and incorporate into their own systems.
Arm positions the processor for solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), and storage products that run selected computing tasks near the data. Its 64-bit architecture supports access to up to 1TB of DRAM, and designers can configure multi-core implementations with up to eight cores.
Can Cortex-R82 run Linux?
Yes, when the implementation includes its optional MMU. The MMU provides the memory-management support needed to run Linux and other rich operating systems directly on the storage controller. The controller can then host software alongside real-time work rather than relying solely on bare-metal firmware or a real-time operating system.
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- High-performance foundation line, ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP and FPU, 512 Kbytes Flash, 180 MHz CPU, ART Accelerator, Dual QSPI
- On-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer with SWD connector
- Can be powered from USB
- Three LEDs, Two Push-buttons
- Support of wide choice of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) including IAR, ARM Keil, GCC-based IDEs
Arm says Linux support can let developers use familiar technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes. Cortex-R82 also supports Arm TrustZone, which can help isolate storage-controller firmware from Linux or real-time workloads. The exact software stack and security design depend on how a system manufacturer implements the IP.
How computational storage works
Computational storage means performing selected computing tasks within or adjacent to a storage device instead of sending all the data to a server or computer’s central processor. A computational-storage device combines processing, DRAM, and I/O inside or near storage such as an SSD.
Rank #2
- Ultra-low-power with FPU ARM Cortex-M4 MCU 80 MHz with 1 Mbyte Flash, LCD, USB OTG, DFSDM
- On-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer with SWD connector
- Can be powered from USB
- Three LEDs, Two Push-buttons
- Support of wide choice of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) including IAR, ARM Keil, GCC-based IDEs
As the Arm Editorial Team explained in its January 26, 2022 technical explainer, “Computational storage—the ability to perform selected computing tasks within or adjacent to a storage device rather than the central processor of a server or computer—will move toward mainstream acceptance over the next few years.”
Keeping suitable work near the data can reduce the amount that must travel to a host CPU. That can reduce data movement, latency, energy use, and host-processor load. The benefit depends on whether the task can be run efficiently on the storage device and on the system’s software and hardware design.
Rank #3
Tasks that may fit
- Data handling: encryption, compression, and deduplication.
- Data-intensive applications: database acceleration and machine-learning analysis.
- Media: video encoding or transcoding.
- Edge and specialized systems: IoT processing, surveillance analytics, and aircraft-data analysis.
What performance and capabilities does Arm specify?
Arm reported an uplift of up to 2x over previous Cortex-R generations, depending on workload, in its 2020 launch announcement. This is an Arm-stated maximum, not a guarantee for every implementation or a measure of performance against every competing processor.
| Capability | What Arm specifies | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Up to 2x uplift over previous Cortex-R generations | Arm’s 2020 announcement says results depend on workload. |
| DRAM addressability | Up to 1TB | Arm’s 2020 announcement and current product page give this maximum. |
| Core count | Up to eight cores | Arm’s 2020 announcement describes multi-core implementations up to this size. |
| Machine-learning acceleration | Optional Neon technology | Available as an optional capability, not a required feature of every implementation. |
| Operating-system support | Linux and other rich operating systems | Requires the optional MMU. |
Arm’s current Cortex-R82 product page also presents the design for SSD, HDD, and computational-storage applications. Actual system performance, memory configuration, and available features depend on the licensed implementation and product design.
Rank #4
- Mainstream Mixed signals MCUs ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP and FPU, 512 Kbytes Flash, 72 MHz CPU, MPU, CCM, 12-bit ADC 5 MSPS, PGA, comparators
- On-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer with SWD connector
- Can be powered from USB.
- Three LEDs, Two Push-buttons
- Support of wide choice of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) including IAR, ARM Keil, GCC-based IDEs
When does processing on storage make sense?
Computational storage is most relevant when a system repeatedly moves large volumes of data to a host just to perform a limited set of operations. Moving those operations nearer to storage may reduce transfers and free host resources. It is less compelling when an application needs broad, flexible compute, depends on data from many sources, or cannot efficiently run within the storage device’s power and resource limits.
Arm cites a Flash Memory Summit estimate that 62 percent of computing energy is spent moving data. This is an attributed estimate, not a universal measurement of every system. Arm’s launch announcement also quoted IDC’s historical forecast that IoT devices would generate more than 79 zettabytes of data in 2025; that figure was a forecast made in 2020, not a current measurement.
Best Value
- STM32F103C8T6 ARM STM32 minimum system development module.
- ST-Link V2 support the full range of STM32 SWD interface debugging, simple interface (including power supply), 4 line speed, stable work.
- Use the current smart phones of Mirco USB interface, easy to use, USB communication and power supply can be done.
- The board lead to all the I/O resources.Download with SWD debug interface, which requires a minimum of 3 wires to complete debug a download task
Can you buy a Cortex-R82 processor?
No retail Cortex-R82 processor is presented by Arm. It is processor IP intended for companies designing storage controllers and systems. Arm directs prospective users to its IP licensing and design-access ecosystem, including Arm Flexible Access. Program eligibility and terms should be checked with Arm; a consumer should not expect to find a standalone Cortex-R82 CPU for a PC or a finished storage product bearing the name by default.
How Cortex-R82 differs from a conventional storage controller
Many conventional storage controllers use bare-metal firmware or an RTOS-oriented design. Cortex-R82’s distinguishing option is an MMU that creates a path to Linux and richer application software on the controller, while retaining support for real-time workloads. That combination can suit products that need both controller functions and selected data-processing tasks near storage. It does not mean every Cortex-R82-based product will run Linux or support the same applications; those choices belong to the system designer.
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