What is Arm Cortex-R development?
Arm Cortex-R processors are real-time processors for deeply embedded systems. Engineers use them where timing must be deterministic and failures must be controlled, such as automotive and industrial control. Development of these systems typically starts with an evaluation board that lets engineers test software before a final design is built.
Cortex-R development boards are not always easy to find. A small set of vendors offer them, and availability varies. Engineers often compare boards by processor model, memory, storage, and supported software tools.
Key Arm processor families
Arm has several processor families, each suited to a different class of work:
| Family | Typical use | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Cortex-R | Real-time, deeply embedded systems | Deterministic timing |
| Cortex-M | Microcontrollers | Low power, low cost |
| Cortex-A | Application processors | Operating systems, rich software |
Cortex-R cores target hard real-time tasks. Cortex-A cores run full operating systems such as Linux. The Thinvent range uses Cortex-A processors, not Cortex-R processors.
Thinvent products built on Arm Cortex-A processors
The Thinvent range includes two Arm-based platforms that run Thinux™ Embedded Linux:
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Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client uses an Arm Cortex A53 processor with 4 cores at up to 2.0 GHz, 2GB of onboard RAM, and 16GB of eMMC storage. It includes HDMI 2.0 and speaker out, and it supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth.
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Thinvent Micro 6 Pro Mini PC uses an Arm Cortex A55 processor with 4 cores at up to 1.9 GHz and 1 MB of cache. It has 4GB of onboard RAM, 32GB of eMMC storage, one HDMI output, and dual antenna WiFi.
Both platforms come with a 5V 2A adapter. Optional accessories include a VESA mount, an HDMI to VGA cable, and a keyboard and mouse set.
Choosing between the two
Choose the Micro 5R Thin Client for a lower-memory thin client with WiFi 6, Bluetooth, and speaker output. Choose the Micro 6 Pro Mini PC for more RAM and storage, a larger cache, and dual antenna WiFi.
Thinvent Arm-based products
Thinvent manufactures Arm-based thin clients and mini PCs for embedded and industrial deployments. If your project needs a Cortex-A platform with Embedded Linux, see the Micro 5R Thin Client and the Micro 6 Pro Mini PC listed on this page. The Thinvent range does not include Cortex-R development boards.
