critical, software must include memory barrier instructions to force that ordering. The Cortex-M3
has the following memory barrier instructions:
■ The Data Memory Barrier (DMB) instruction ensures that outstanding memory transactions
complete before subsequent memory transactions.
■ The Data Synchronization Barrier (DSB) instruction ensures that outstanding memory transactions
complete before subsequent instructions execute.
■ The Instruction Synchronization Barrier (ISB) instruction ensures that the effect of all completed
memory transactions is recognizable by subsequent instructions.
Memory barrier instructions can be used in the following situations:
■ MPU programming
– If the MPU settings are changed and the change must be effective on the very next instruction,
use a DSB instruction to ensure the effect of the MPU takes place immediately at the end of
context switching.
– Use an ISB instruction to ensure the new MPU setting takes effect immediately after
programming the MPU region or regions, if the MPU configuration code was accessed using
a branch or call. If the MPU configuration code is entered using exception mechanisms, then
an ISB instruction is not required.
■ Vector table
If the program changes an entry in the vector table and then enables the corresponding exception,
use a DMB instruction between the operations. The DMB instruction ensures that if the exception
is taken immediately after being enabled, the processor uses the new exception vector.
■ Self-modifying code
If a program contains self-modifying code, use an ISB instruction immediately after the code
modification in the program. The ISB instruction ensures subsequent instruction execution uses
the updated program.
■ Memory map switching
If the system contains a memory map switching mechanism, use a DSB instruction after switching
the memory map in the program. The DSB instruction ensures subsequent instruction execution
uses the updated memory map.
■ Dynamic exception priority change
When an exception priority has to change when the exception is pending or active, use DSB
instructions after the change. The change then takes effect on completion of the DSB instruction.
Memory accesses to Strongly Ordered memory, such as the System Control Block, do not require
the use of DMB instructions.
For more information on the memory barrier instructions, see the Cortex™-M3/M4 Instruction Set
Technical User's Manual.
77July 24, 2012
Texas Instruments-Production Data
Stellaris
®
LM3S6G65 Microcontroller
OBSOLETE: TI has discontinued production of this device.
