Atmel's planned AT91SAM3 flash MCU family will combine the ARM Cortex-M3 processor with multi-layer internal buses, an enhancement to the DMA for system peripherals and distributed peripheral data controllers that provide high internal data bandwidth. The combination enables intensive data processing and high-speed data transfers to take place concurrently.

Atmel's on-chip flash memory reduces the application chip count, shortens boot and program load times and improves system security.

The AT91SAM3 family uses Atmel's uniform peripheral register structure that simplifies application programming, and enables software modules to be transferred from one family member to another. This uniformity of peripheral programming extends to development tools from Atmel's ecosystem of third-party suppliers.

The AT91SAM3 flash microcontroller family based on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor are due to be available in the fourth quarter of 2008.