General-Purpose, Deterministic
32-Bit Performance

The Cortex-M processor series is designed to enable developers to create cost-sensitive and power-constrained solutions for a broad range of devices. The optimal balance between area, performance, and power makes Cortex-M3 ideal for products such as microcontrollers, automotive body systems, and wireless networking and sensors.

Features and Benefits
Widely Supported 

Reduce time to market and achieve first-time success by using one of the most trusted processors. It is deployed in billions of devices across a broad set of embedded applications and backed by the richest ecosystem of software, tools, and knowledge.

 Low Power Consumption

Achieve more with Cortex-M3, which features exceptional 32-bit performance with low dynamic power. It also delivers leading system energy efficiency, thanks to integrated software-controlled sleep modes, extensive clock gating, and optional state retention.

No Upfront Fee and Lower Risk

Cortex-M3 is available without a license fee via DesignStart, providing designers with proven technology, risk-free. You can also access the Arm SDK-100 System Design Kit, including the SSE-050 subsystem to integrate the Cortex-M3, in order to reduce development effort and risk.

Use Cases
Where Innovation and Ideas Come to Life
Smart Home Devices

Increasingly smart devices and advanced levels of interaction demand 32-bit performance, without compromising on cost or power. Cortex-M3 is used across many smart home devices, providing the perfect balance of performance, cost, and ease of programming required in smart home devices.

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Internet of Things (IoT) Applications

The Cortex-M3 processor provides the ideal balance between performance and power consumption to enable a range of Internet-connected devices.

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Talk with an Expert

Find out how the Arm Cortex-M3 processor can improve power efficiency in your smallest applications.

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DesignStart

Take a fast, simple, no-risk route to proven IP for custom silicon
success. DesignStart allows you to create a custom SoC with
Cortex-M0 and Cortex-M3 processors and system IP, with
a success-based royalty model and no upfront license fee.

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Architecture and Technologies
A Foundation of Silicon Success  

Arm-based chips, device architectures, and technologies orchestrate the performance of everything that makes modern life possible — from smartphones to agricultural sensors and from medical instruments to servers.

Cortex-M3 Resources

Everything you need to know to make the right decision for your project. Includes technical documentation, industry insights, and where to go for expert advice.

 

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