D4.3 VMSAv8-64 translation table format descriptors

In general, a descriptor is one of:

• An invalid or fault entry.
• A table entry, that points to the next-level translation table.
• A block entry, that defines the memory properties for the access.
• A reserved format.

Bit[1] of the descriptor indicates the descriptor type, and bit[0] indicates whether the descriptor is valid.

The following sections describe the ARMv8 translation table descriptor formats:

• VMSAv8-64 translation table level 0, level 1, and level 2 descriptor formats.
• ARMv8 translation table level 3 descriptor formats on page D4-1698.

Memory attribute fields in the VMSAv8-64 translation table format descriptors on page D4-1699 then gives more information about the descriptor attribute fields, and Control of Secure or Non-secure memory access on page D4-1702 describe how the NS and NSTable together control whether a memory access from Secure state accesses the Secure memory map or the Non-secure memory map.