Develop Software without Hardware
Fast Models are functionally accurate programmer’s view models of Arm CPU and System IP so you can develop software targeting the latest Arm IP well before hardware implementations are available. They also add value as easily deployable and automatable targets for continuous integration and validation.
Features and Benefits
Fast Models are developed and tested alongside Arm IP, providing a highly accurate and validated virtual prototypes for software development. Fast Models are ideal for low-level software development such as OS kernels and device drivers.
Fast Models support very detailed implementations of Arm IP, including co-processor registers, exception levels, translation tables, and cache. Their SystemC interfaces enable integration with third party models as virtual SoC prototypes.
The Fast Models debug interface enables a virtual connection to the models which are supported by many debug vendors. This interface enables a debug experience consistent between hardware and software targets without changing your debug tools.
Scripting interfaces to Arm Fast Models make them easily automatable and the perfect choice for continuous integration and for use in validation farms. Virtual prototypes are easier to scale and maintain than their hardware counterparts.
The Power of Virtual Prototyping: From SoC Design to Software Development
Software-based methodologies for virtual prototypes help prove designs earlier, and let companies start parallel hardware and software development.
Use Cases
Early Software Development
Develop and debug complex SoC software such as drivers, firmware, OS, and applications prior to silicon availability.
System Optimization
Assess hardware/software tradeoffs, quickly make changes, and explore alternatives before committing to an implementation.
Accelerated Software Development
Start developing software on the latest Arm-based devices well in advance of hardware availability. Start investigating the latest Arm CPU and System IP prior to silicon availability.
Test and Validation
Easier to scale, deploy, and manage across multiple sites, virtual prototypes are popular for continuous integration and validation farms.
Hardware/Software Co-Design
Develop software alongside hardware and accelerate product lifecycle.
Explore Other Arm Tools and Software
Fixed Virtual Platforms
Running at speeds comparable to real hardware, Fixed Virtual Platforms are complete simulations of Arm systems, with processor, memory, and peripherals, on which to build and test your software.
Arm Development Studio
An end-to-end software development environment for all Arm-based systems, including Arm Compiler, debuggers, IDEs, performance analysis tools, models and middleware.