ARM upgrades Cortex-M3
1 min read
ARM has made what it calls a ‘significant upgrade’ to the Cortex-M3 processor. The latest release features a Wake-Up Interrupt (WIC) controller which allows almost instantaneous return to fully active mode from an Ultra-Low Leakage retention state. The upgrade also introduces enhanced power management features that address demand for increased performance and longer battery life.
“This release builds upon the strong reputation of the Cortex-M3 processor and stands as a testament to ARM’s continued innovation and commitment within the global MCU market,” said Eric Schorn, vp of marketing for ARM’s Processor Division.
The Cortex-M3 processor has been licensed by some 20 organisations and these have released around 100 devices based on the core. Amongst these is Luminary Micro, which uses the Cortex-M3 in its Stellaris range.
According to chief marketing officer Jean Anne Booth: “We welcome the additional low power features and configurability provided by the new release. These new capabilities will enable us to further extend the reach of our Stellaris family of microcontrollers.”
Meanwhile, ARM has announced that Oslo based Energy Micro is the latest licensee of the core. It plans to use the core to produce what it hopes will be the world’s most energy friendly microcontrollers. Geir Førre, Energy Micro’s ceo, claimed “With our focus on low energy consumption, integration, system performance and low cost, the Cortex-M3 processor is the right choice for us.”
