2.3 Cortex-M3 Processor Features and Benefits Summary

Cortex-M3 has the following features and benefits.

• Tight integration of system peripherals reduces area and development costs
• Thumb instruction set combines high code density with 32-bit performance
• Code-patch ability for ROM system updates
• Power control optimization of system components
• Integrated Sleep modes for low power consumption
• Fast code execution permits slower processor clock or increases sleep mode time
• Hardware division and fast multiplier
• Deterministic, high-performance interrupt handling for time-critical applications
• Optional Memory Protection Unit (MPU) for safety-critical applications
• Extensive debug and trace capabilities—Serial Wire Debug and Serial Wire Trace reduce the number of pins required for debugging, tracing and code profiling.