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title: Learn about the Arm RDV3 Platform
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title: Learn about the Arm RD-V3 Platform
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## Introduction to the Arm RDV3 Platform
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## Introduction to the Arm RD-V3 Platform
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In this section, you will learn about the Arm [Neoverse CSS V3](https://www.arm.com/products/neoverse-compute-subsystems/css-v3) subsystem and the RDV3 [Reference Design Platform Software](https://neoverse-reference-design.docs.arm.com/en/latest/index.html) that implements it. You'll learn how these components enable scalable, server-class system design, and how to simulate and validate the full firmware stack using Fixed Virtual Platforms (FVP), well before hardware is available.
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In this section, you will learn about the Arm [Neoverse CSS-V3](https://www.arm.com/products/neoverse-compute-subsystems/css-v3) subsystem and the RD-V3 [Reference Design Platform Software](https://neoverse-reference-design.docs.arm.com/en/latest/index.html) that implements it. Youll learn how these components enable scalable, server-class system design, and how to simulate and validate the full firmware stack using Fixed Virtual Platforms (FVPs) before hardware is available.
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Arm Neoverse is designed to meet the demanding requirements of data center and edge computing, delivering high performance and efficiency. Widely adopted in servers, networking, and edge devices, the Neoverse architecture provides a solid foundation for modern infrastructure.
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Arm Neoverse is designed for the demanding requirements of data-center and edge computing, delivering high performance and efficiency. Widely adopted in servers, networking, and edge devices, the Neoverse architecture provides a solid foundation for modern infrastructure.
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Using Arm Fixed Virtual Platforms (FVPs), you can explore system bring-up, boot flow, and firmware customization well before physical silicon becomes available.
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This module also introduces the key components involved, from Neoverse V3 cores to secure subsystem controllers, and shows how these elements work together in a fully virtualized system simulation.
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This Learning Path also introduces the key components involved, from Neoverse V3 cores to secure subsystem controllers, and shows how these elements work together in a fully virtualized system simulation.
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### Neoverse CSS-V3 Platform Overview
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## Neoverse CSS-V3 platform overview
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[Neoverse CSS-V3](https://www.arm.com/products/neoverse-compute-subsystems/css-v3) (Compute Subsystem Version 3) is the core subsystem architecture underpinning the Arm RD-V3 platform. It is specifically optimized for high-performance server and data center applications, providing a highly integrated solution combining processing cores, memory management, and interconnect technology.
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[Neoverse CSS-V3](https://www.arm.com/products/neoverse-compute-subsystems/css-v3) (Compute Subsystem Version 3) is the core subsystem architecture underpinning the Arm RD-V3 platform. It is optimized for high-performance server and data-center applications, providing an integrated solution that combines processing cores, memory management, and interconnect technology.
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CSS V3 forms the key building block for specialized computing systems. It reduces design and validation costs for the general-purpose compute subsystem, allowing partners to focus on their specialization and acceleration while reducing risk and accelerating time to deployment.
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CSS-V3 forms the key building block for specialized computing systems. It reduces design and validation costs for the general-purpose compute subsystem, allowing partners to focus on specialization and acceleration while reducing risk and time to deployment.
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CSSV3 is available in configurable subsystems, supporting up to 64 Neoverse V3 cores per die. It also enables integration of high-bandwidth DDR5/LPDDR5 memory (up to 12 channels), PCIe Gen5 or CXL I/O (up to 64 lanes), and high-speed die-to-die links with support for UCIe 1.1 or custom PHYs. Designs can be scaled down to smaller core-count configurations, such as 32-core SoCs, or expanded through multi-die integration.
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CSS-V3 is available in configurable subsystems, supporting up to 64 Neoverse V3 cores per die. It also enables integration of high-bandwidth DDR5/LPDDR5 memory (up to 12 channels), PCIe Gen5 or CXL I/O (up to 64 lanes), and high-speed die-to-die links with support for UCIe 1.1 or custom PHYs. Designs can scale down to smaller core-count configurations, such as 32-core SoCs, or expand through multi-die integration.
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Key features of CSS-V3 include:
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* High-performance CPU clusters: Optimized for server workloads and data throughput.
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- High-performance CPU clusters optimized for server workloads and data throughput
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- Advanced memory management for efficient handling across multiple processing cores
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- High-speed, low-latency interconnect within the subsystem
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* Advanced memory management: Efficient handling of data across multiple processing cores.
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The CSS-V3 subsystem is fully supported by Arm’s Fixed Virtual Platforms (FVPs), enabling pre-silicon testing of these capabilities.
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* Interconnect technology: Enabling high-speed, low-latency communication within the subsystem.
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## RD-V3 platform introduction
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The CSS‑V3 subsystem is fully supported by Arm's Fixed Virtual Platform, enabling pre-silicon testing of these capabilities.
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The RD-V3 platform is a comprehensive reference design built around Arm’s [Neoverse V3](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/neoverse/neoverse-v3) CPUs, along with [Cortex-M55](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/cortex-m/cortex-m55) and [Cortex-M7](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/cortex-m/cortex-m7) microcontrollers. This platform enables efficient high-performance computing and robust platform management:
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### RD‑V3 Platform Introduction
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| Component | Description |
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|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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| Neoverse V3 | Primary application processor responsible for executing the OS and payloads |
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| Cortex-M7 | Implements the System Control Processor (SCP) for power, clocks, and initialization |
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| Cortex-M55 | Hosts the Runtime Security Engine (RSE), providing secure boot and runtime integrity |
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| Cortex-M55 (LCP) | Acts as the Local Control Processor, enabling per-core power and reset management for AP cores |
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The RD‑V3 platform is a comprehensive reference design built around Arm’s [Neoverse V3](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/neoverse/neoverse-v3) CPUs, along with [Cortex-M55](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/cortex-m/cortex-m55) and [Cortex-M7](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/cortex-m/cortex-m7) microcontrollers. This platform enables efficient high-performance computing and robust platform management:
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These subsystems work together in a coordinated architecture, communicating through shared memory regions, control buses, and platform protocols. This enables multi-stage boot processes and robust secure-boot implementations.
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| Component | Description |
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|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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| Neoverse V3 | The primary application processor responsible for executing OS and payloads |
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| Cortex M7 | Implements the System Control Processor (SCP) for power, clocks, and init |
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| Cortex M55 | Hosts the Runtime Security Engine (RSE), providing secure boot and runtime integrity |
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| Cortex M55 (LCP) | Acts as the Local Control Processor, enabling per-core power and reset management for AP cores |
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These subsystems work together in a coordinated architecture, communicating through shared memory regions, control buses, and platform protocols. This enables multi-stage boot processes and robust secure boot implementations.
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Here is the Neoverse Reference Design Platform [Software Stack](https://neoverse-reference-design.docs.arm.com/en/latest/about/software_stack.html#sw-stack) for your reference.
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Here is the Neoverse Reference Design Platform [software stack](https://neoverse-reference-design.docs.arm.com/en/latest/about/software_stack.html#sw-stack) for reference.
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![img1 alt-text#center](rdinfra_sw_stack.jpg "Neoverse Reference Design Software Stack")
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## Develop and validate without hardware
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### Develop and Validate Without Hardware
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In traditional development workflows, system validation cannot begin until silicon is available, often introducing risk and delay.
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To address this, Arm provides Fixed Virtual Platforms ([FVP](https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Fixed%20Virtual%20Platforms)), complete simulations model that emulates Arm SoC behavior on a host machine. The CSS‑V3 platform is available in multiple FVP configurations, allowing developers to select the model that best fits their specific development and validation needs.
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In traditional workflows, system validation often cannot begin until silicon is available, introducing risk and delay.
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To address this, Arm provides Fixed Virtual Platforms ([FVPs](https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Fixed%20Virtual%20Platforms)), a set of simulation models that emulate Arm SoC behavior on a host machine. The CSS-V3 platform is available in multiple FVP configurations, allowing you to select the model that best fits specific development and validation needs.
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Key Capabilities of FVP:
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* Multi-core CPU simulation with SMP boot
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* Multiple UART interfaces for serial debug and monitoring
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* Compatible with TF‑A, UEFI, GRUB, and Linux kernel images
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* Provides boot logs, trace outputs, and interrupt event visibility for debugging
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Key capabilities of FVPs:
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FVP enables developers to verify boot sequences, debug firmware handoffs, and even simulate RSE (Runtime Security Engine) behaviors, all pre-silicon.
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- Multi-core CPU simulation with SMP boot
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- Multiple UART interfaces for serial debug and monitoring
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- Compatibility with TF-A, UEFI, GRUB, and Linux kernel images
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- Boot logs, trace outputs, and interrupt event visibility for debugging
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### Comparing different version of RD-V3 FVP
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FVPs enable developers to verify boot sequences, debug firmware handoffs, and even simulate RSE (Runtime Security Engine) behaviors, all pre-silicon.
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To support different use cases and levels of platform complexity, Arm offers three virtual models based on the CSS V3 architecture: RD‑V3, RD-V3-Cfg1, and RD‑V3‑R1. While they share a common foundation, they differ in chip count, system topology, and simulation flexibility.
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## Compare RD-V3 FVP variants
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| Model | Description | Recommended Use Cases |
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|-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
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| RD‑V3 | Standard single-die platform with full processor and security blocks | Ideal for newcomers, firmware bring-up, and basic validation |
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| RD‑V3‑R1 | Dual-die platform simulating chiplet-based architecture | Suitable for multi-node, interconnect, and advanced boot tests |
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| CFG1 | Lightweight model with reduced control complexity for fast startup | Best for CI pipelines, unit testing, and quick validations |
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| CFG2 | Quad-chip platform with 4×32-core Poseidon-V CPUs connected via CCG links | Designed for advanced multi-chip validation, CML-based coherence, and high-performance platform scaling |
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To support different use cases and levels of platform complexity, Arm offers several virtual models based on the CSS-V3 architecture: RD-V3, RD-V3-R1, RD-V3-Cfg1 (CFG1), and RD-V3-Cfg2 (CFG2). While they share a common foundation, they differ in chip count, system topology, and simulation flexibility.
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| Model | Description | Recommended use cases |
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|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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| RD-V3 | Standard single-die platform with full processor and security blocks | Ideal for newcomers, firmware bring-up, and basic validation |
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| RD-V3-R1 | Dual-die platform simulating chiplet-based architecture | Suitable for multi-node, interconnect, and advanced boot tests |
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| RD-V3-Cfg1 (CFG1) | Lightweight model with reduced control complexity for fast startup | Best for CI pipelines, unit testing, and quick validations |
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| RD-V3-Cfg2 (CFG2) | Quad-chip platform with 4×32-core Poseidon-V CPUs connected via CCG links | Designed for advanced multi-chip validation, CMN-based coherence, and scaling |
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In this Learning Path you will use RD‑V3 as the primary platform for foundational exercises, guiding you through the process of building the software stack and simulating it on an FVP to verify the boot sequence.
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In later modules, you’ll transition to RD‑V3‑R1 to more advanced system simulation, multi-node bring-up, and firmware coordination across components like MCP and SCP.
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In this Learning Path you will use RD-V3 as the primary platform for foundational exercises, guiding you through building the software stack and simulating it on an FVP to verify the boot sequence. In later modules, you’ll transition to RD-V3-R1 for more advanced system simulation, multi-node bring-up, and firmware coordination across components like LCP and SCP.

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