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ARM Specific Information Processor Background

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1.2.1: Processor Background

The ARM architecture supports a simple yet effective call and return mechanism. A subroutine is invoked via the branch and link (bl) instruction. This instruction saves the return address in the lr register. Returning from a subroutine only requires that the return address be moved into the program counter (pc), possibly with an offset. It is is important to note that the bl instruction does not automatically save or restore any registers. It is the responsibility of the high-level language compiler to define the register preservation and usage convention.


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