assemblyarmcortex-a8

MSR CPSR_C, #0x13 doesn't work using ARM assembly?

I'm writing bare metal code (no OS), for an ARM Cortex A9 processor.

I need to read a register which is only accessible on supervisor mode (the multiprocessor affinity register, MPIDR).

When I'm in user mode and try to execute the following instruction (to enter supervisor mode) step by step with a debugger nothing happens.

MSR CPSR_C, #0x13

And my program goes to undefined mode, if I try to read the MPIDR register

Please do you know what i'm missing?

When i use the debugger windows, and force the five first bits of CPSR register to b10011, it works, I go to supervisor.

Solution

  • You can't change between modes using instructions which directly write to the CPSR mode bits in User mode. Proper way is to use a svc (supervisor call) and execute necessary instruction requested.