ARM's CPU Architecture: How ARM Became the Backbone of Modern Computing and AI Compute

ARM's CPU architecture underpins most devices, yet the company licenses its core design rather than building chips. This video tours ARM's Cambridge HQ to explain how CPU design, microarchitecture, and instruction set architecture (ISA) relate, and why ARM's low power, high efficiency approach dominates smartphones and many automotives. We learn how Apple released the M1 in 2020, moving from Intel to an ARM-based design, why Windows on ARM and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series signal a potential computing shake-up, and how ARM's IP and partners like TSMC craft SoCs such as Samsung Exynos. The discussion also looks at AI compute, data centers, robotics, and autonomous vehicles where ARM-based compute is becoming essential.

Introduction and scope

The video takes viewers to ARM's Cambridge headquarters and explains why ARM architecture has become central to modern computing across devices, from phones to smart devices and beyond. It emphasizes that ARM does not manufacture chips; it licenses architecture and IP to partners who implement designs on physical wafers through foundries like TSMC.

Core concepts: architecture, microarchitecture, and ISA

The presenters outline three layers of processor design: the instruction set architecture (ISA), the microarchitecture, and the actual silicon implementation. ARM's ISA (latest being ARMv9) defines the programming interface and capabilities, while the microarchitecture specifies the hardware design details that implement that interface. This separation enables ARM to sell robust compute blueprints to many partners who customize aspects of the design for power, performance, and area constraints.

ARM's ecosystem and business model

ARM's licensing model is a core driver of its ubiquity. The company provides rulebooks and IP that partners ASDs can build upon, enabling a vast ecosystem of CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators integrated into a single system-on-chip (SoC). Qualcomm, for example, uses ARM's ISA but applies its own microarchitecture on Snapdragon silicon, maintaining Android and ARM compatibility while optimizing for power and performance. ARM's approach contrasts with vertically integrated processor makers who design and fabricate their own cores.

Case study: M1 and the Windows on ARM shift

The video highlights Apple's M1 chip, released in 2020 as a landmark shift away from Intel. This move boosted compute power and energy efficiency at similar price points and triggered speculation about Windows devices adopting ARM-based designs as well. While not confirming any direct Apple-ARM relationship, the discussion notes ARM's long history of high performance, low power designs and the potential disruption to traditional x86 dominance in Windows laptops.

The manufacturing layer and partner networks

The content explains that ARM's partners—chip designers and foundries—translate ISA and microarchitecture into physical chips. TSMC is the primary manufacturer mentioned for production, with examples such as the Samsung Exynos system-on-chip that combines ARM CPU cores with a GPU and AI blocks. The relationship among ARM, chipmakers, and device manufacturers is shown as the engine driving ongoing innovation in low power, high performance compute.

AI, autonomy, and the future of ARM compute

A key theme is the growing demand for high performance, low power compute in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and data centers. ARM positions itself as a core enabler for edge AI and energy-efficient data processing, with software libraries and AI instruction sets (Clyde libraries) designed to optimize AI workloads on ARM hardware. The video suggests ARM’s emphasis on power efficiency could help bring sophisticated AI capabilities to smartphones, cars, and home devices without excessive energy use.

Conclusion: ARM's impact on the tech landscape

Overall, the piece argues that ARM’s architecture, licensing model, and ecosystem have quietly shaped the computing landscape for decades. As robotics, autonomous systems, and AI scale, ARM's low-power compute designs are positioned to influence the next wave of devices and services, from personal devices to large-scale data centers.