ARM recently released the PC Base System Architecture (PC-BSA) specification aimed at unifying PCs based on ARM processors. This document establishes standards for both hardware and software to ensure compatibility with various operating systems, hypervisors, and other software applications.
The initial level of the PC-BSA specification outlines requirements for 64-bit processors based on ARMv8.1 architecture or newer, the integration of a TPM 2.0 module for enhanced security, SMMU support for virtualization, and compliance with the PCI Express standard for device compatibility.
Virtualization plays a crucial role in the PC-BSA specification, with SMMU support simplifying memory management and device functions in virtualized environments. This aligns with the modern trend towards using containers and virtual machines as the new standard.
On the security front, the inclusion of TPM 2.0 and secure boot features makes ARM-based PCs competitive in industries with stringent compliance standards. TPM 2.0 is also a requirement for Windows 11 compatibility.
By adhering to PCI Express standards, ARM systems ensure compatibility with modern devices like graphics processors and high-speed drives. This streamlines the development process for software developers and simplifies PC assembly for OEM manufacturers.
The PC-BSA specification lays the groundwork for an ARM-based PC ecosystem, enabling the addition of new features such as memory tagging for debugging and expanded cryptographic tools. Future iterations of the specification promise even more capabilities to meet evolving requirements.
The ultimate success of the PC-BSA specification hinges on its adoption by manufacturers and developers. While some industry standards have faltered in the past, ARM has set a solid foundation, with the market now poised to embrace these new guidelines.