Getting Started

Cycle models are compiled directly from Arm RTL and retain complete functional and cycle accuracy. This enables you to confidently make architectural decisions, optimize performance or develop bare metal software.

Performance Optimization with Cycle Models

Instrumented for Analysis

Cycle Models are instrumented to enable detailed debug and analysis. CPU cores enable interactive debug with Arm Development Studio. Additionally, all registers and PMUs are visible along with information related to cache hits, pipeline statistics and much more.

Implementation level accuracy

Cycle Models are compiled directly from the implementation RTL and retain 100% of the functionality and cycle accuracy. Cycle Models can be used in SystemC simulation environments as well as RTL simulators.

Creation of Arm Cycle Models

Cycle Models are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week from Arm’s IP Exchange web portal. This portal enables users to access, configure, compile and manage their own models of Arm IP. Users are then emailed when their model is available for download

CPU and Subsystem Portfolio

Arm releases models of our IP to lead partners at an early stage, so please contact us for more information on upcoming Cycle Models.

CPU Cycle Models


Arm IP Exchange

CPU Family Processor
Cortex-A Series Cortex-A55, Cortex-A53, Cortex-A35, Cortex-A32
Cortex-R Series Cortex-R52, Cortex-R8, Cortex-R5, Cortex-R82*
Cortex-M Series Cortex-M0+, Cortex-M7, Cortex-M23, Cortex-M33, Cortex-M55

*Contact us to get access to these models prior to public release.

Faster Productivity with CPAKs


Arm System Exchange

In order to deliver a faster path to productivity, Arm offers an extensive library of prebuilt virtual systems featuring Cycle Models. These Cycle Performance Analysis kits are system models featuring multiple Cycle Models together with bare metal software or Linux level benchmarks. The complete selection of CPAKs is available for download from Arm System Exchange.

System IP Cycle Models

System IP Family
Interconnect NIC-400, CCI-550, CCI-500
Interrupt Controllers GIC-600, GIC-500
Memories BP-140

Free White Papers

Cortex A53 System Optimization »

Software Driven Power Analysis »

Modeling Techniques Maximize Value of Virtual Platforms »

More Resources

Cycle Models for DesignStart

Arm DesignStart makes innovation more accessible than ever. Whether you want to differentiate your product or conduct research, get started on a trusted, proven foundation with Arm IP and services. Cycle Models for DesignStart are included free of cost in the Cortex-M3 evaluation program to enable faster simulation and enhanced system visibility compared to RTL simulation.

Learn more

Get support

Community Forums

Answered Keil MDK 5 – useful links that help getting started 0 votes 2682 views 3 replies Latest 1 months ago by rkopsch Answer this
Answered Forum FAQs
  • ARM Community
 0 votes 1659 views 1 replies Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne Answer this
Answered Forum FAQs
  • ARM Community
 0 votes 1380 views 1 replies Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne Answer this
Answered Forum FAQs
  • ARM Community
 0 votes 2421 views 1 replies Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne Answer this
Answered Forum FAQs
  • ARM Community
 0 votes 1291 views 1 replies Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne Answer this
Answered Where should I ask my question?
  • ARM Community
 0 votes 11816 views 5 replies Latest 8 months ago by Andy Neil Answer this
Answered Keil MDK 5 – useful links that help getting started Latest 1 months ago by rkopsch 3 replies 2682 views
Answered Forum FAQs Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne 1 replies 1659 views
Answered Forum FAQs Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne 1 replies 1380 views
Answered Forum FAQs Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne 1 replies 2421 views
Answered Forum FAQs Latest 3 months ago by Oliver Beirne 1 replies 1291 views
Answered Where should I ask my question? Latest 8 months ago by Andy Neil 5 replies 11816 views