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.

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Community Forums

Answered Understanding the ARM processor 0 votes 1966 views 2 replies Latest 13 hours ago by Evans123 Answer this
Answered Perf record 0 votes 157 views 2 replies Latest yesterday by YHuerta Answer this
Answered how many shader cores on G31/G52?
  • OpenCL
  • Mali-G52 GPU
  • Bifrost
  • Mali-G31 GPU
 0 votes 303 views 2 replies Latest yesterday by bakhi Answer this
Answered I have Keil board, MCBSTM32F400. I want to do SPI communication with it, from a device thru ADC, and pass the data to the controller. Pl mention how can I hook the device to the board? 0 votes 1942 views 14 replies Latest yesterday by Andy Neil Answer this
Answered Break point at SWI handler
  • Arm9
 0 votes 3091 views 2 replies Latest yesterday by Jones212 Answer this
Answered Question about performance between GL_ANY_SAMPLES_PASSED vs GL_ANY_SAMPLES_PASSED_CONSERVATIVE
  • Android OpenGL ES
  • OpenGL ES 3.1
  • OpenGL ES
 0 votes 259 views 1 replies Latest 2 days ago by Peter Harris Answer this
Answered Understanding the ARM processor Latest 13 hours ago by Evans123 2 replies 1966 views
Answered Perf record Latest yesterday by YHuerta 2 replies 157 views
Answered how many shader cores on G31/G52? Latest yesterday by bakhi 2 replies 303 views
Answered I have Keil board, MCBSTM32F400. I want to do SPI communication with it, from a device thru ADC, and pass the data to the controller. Pl mention how can I hook the device to the board? Latest yesterday by Andy Neil 14 replies 1942 views
Answered Break point at SWI handler Latest yesterday by Jones212 2 replies 3091 views
Answered Question about performance between GL_ANY_SAMPLES_PASSED vs GL_ANY_SAMPLES_PASSED_CONSERVATIVE Latest 2 days ago by Peter Harris 1 replies 259 views