Datasheet
277
11011B–ATARM–21-Feb-12
SAM3N
18.3.2 Read Operations
An optimized controller manages embedded Flash reads, thus increasing performance when the
processor is running in Thumb2 mode by means of the 128- or 64- bit wide memory interface.
The Flash memory is accessible through 8-, 16- and 32-bit reads.
As the Flash block size is smaller than the address space reserved for the internal memory area,
the embedded Flash wraps around the address space and appears to be repeated within it.
The read operations can be performed with or without wait states. Wait states must be pro-
grammed in the field FWS (Flash Read Wait State) in the Flash Mode Register (EEFC_FMR).
Defining FWS to be 0 enables the single-cycle access of the embedded Flash. Refer to the Elec-
trical Characteristics for more details.
18.3.2.1 128-bit or 64-bit Access Mode
By default the read accesses of the Flash are performed through a 128-bit wide memory inter-
face. It enables better system performance especially when 2 or 3 wait state needed.
For systems requiring only 1 wait state, or to privilege current consumption rather than perfor-
mance, the user can select a 64-bit wide memory access via the FAM bit in the Flash Mode
Register (EEFC_FMR)
Please refer to the electrical characteristics section of the product datasheet for more details.
18.3.2.2 Code Read Optimization
A system of 2 x 128-bit or 2 x 64-bit buffers is added in order to optimize sequential Code Fetch.
Note: Immediate consecutive code read accesses are not mandatory to benefit from this optimization.
Figure 18-2. Code Read Optimization for FWS = 0
Note: When FWS is equal to 0, all the accesses are performed in a single-cycle access.
Flash Access
Buffer 0 (128bits)
Master Clock
ARM Request
(32-bit)
XXX
Data To ARM
Bytes 0-15 Bytes 16-31 Bytes 32-47
Bytes 0-15
Buffer 1 (128bits)
Bytes 32-47
Bytes 0-3
Bytes 4-7 Bytes 8-11
Bytes 12-15 Bytes 16-19 Bytes 20-23 Bytes 24-27
XXX
XXX
Bytes 16-31
@Byte 0 @Byte 4 @Byte 8 @Byte 12 @Byte 16 @Byte 20 @Byte 24 @Byte 28 @Byte 32
Bytes 28-31