Introduction
80
SLAU723A – October 2017 – Revised October 2018
Copyright © 2017–2018, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Cortex
®
-M4F Processor
1.1
Introduction
Features of the Arm Cortex-M4F processor include:
•
32-bit Cortex-M4F architecture optimized for small-footprint embedded applications
•
120-MHz operation, 150-DMIPS performance
•
Outstanding processing performance combined with fast interrupt handling
•
Thumb
®
-2 mixed 16- and 32-bit instruction set delivers the high performance expected of a 32-bit Arm
core in a compact memory size usually associated with 8- and 16-bit devices, typically in the range of
a few kilobytes of memory for microcontroller-class applications.
–
Single-cycle multiply instruction and hardware divide
–
Atomic bit manipulation (bit-banding), delivering maximum memory use and streamlined peripheral
control
–
Unaligned data access, enabling data to be efficiently packed into memory
•
IEEE 754-compliant single-precision Floating-Point Unit (FPU)
•
16-bit SIMD vector processing unit
•
Fast code execution permits slower processor clock or increases sleep mode time.
•
Harvard architecture characterized by separate buses for instruction and data
•
Efficient processor core, system and memories
•
Hardware division and fast digital-signal-processing orientated multiply accumulate
•
Saturating arithmetic for signal processing
•
Deterministic, high-performance interrupt handling for time-critical applications
•
Memory protection unit (MPU) to provide a privileged mode for protected operating system functionality
•
Enhanced system debug with extensive breakpoint and trace capabilities
•
Serial Wire Debug and Serial Wire Trace reduce the number of pins required for debugging and tracing
•
Migration from the Arm7™ processor family for better performance and power efficiency
•
Optimized for single-cycle flash memory use up to specific frequencies; see
for more
information.
•
Ultra-low power consumption with integrated sleep modes
The MSP432E4 microcontrollers build on this core to bring high-performance 32-bit computing to cost-
conscious applications requiring significant control processing and connectivity capabilities such as:
•
Low-power hand-held smart devices
•
Gaming equipment
•
Network appliances and switches
•
Home and commercial site monitoring and control
•
Electronic point-of-sale (POS) machines
•
Motion control
•
Medical instrumentation
•
Remote connectivity and monitoring
•
Test and measurement equipment
•
Factory automation
•
Fire and security
•
Smart energy and smart grid solutions
•
Intelligent lighting control
•
Transportation
This chapter provides information on the MSP432E4 implementation of the Cortex-M4F processor,
including the programming model, the memory model, the exception model, fault handling, and power
management.