First deeply embedded processor to be based on the ARMv7 architecture and targeted at very high volume deeply embedded applications such as hard-disk drives, inkjet printers and automotive safety systems

The CortexTM-R4 and Cortex-R4F processors are the first deeply embedded processors to be based on the ARMv7 architecture and are targeted at very high volume deeply embedded applications such as hard disk drives, inkjet printers, automotive safety systems and wireless modems.
The Cortex-R4 processor provides key savings in cost and power consumption for system developers, offering substantially higher performance than any other processor with similar die size. Along with the ARM1156T2-STM and Cortex-M3 processors, the Cortex-R4 processor completes comprehensive coverage for the diverse needs of the embedded microprocessor market. Furthermore, the Cortex-R4 processor supports substantial synthesis time configurability that enables designers to match the processor precisely to the application requirements.

The Cortex-R4 processor is capable of running at clock speeds of up to 400MHz on typical 90nm processes and the focus throughout the design is on efficiency and configurability.

In collaboration with Intrinsity, ARM has also developed a high-performance implementation of the Cortex-R4 processor. The Cortex-R4X processor incorporates Intrinsity’s Fast14® 1-of-N Domino Logic (NDL) technology, which enables faster circuit speeds while minimizing power consumption and area.