STMicroelectronics Boosts Access to High-Performance Embedded Design with New STM32F7 MCU Lines and Ecosystem Extensions

STMicroelectronics has introduced new STM32F7 microcontroller lines and added accessories and options to the development ecosystem, easing access to high-performance embedded design based on the ARM^® Cortex^® -M7 core.

The latest STM32F722 and STM32F723 microcontrollers in the very high-performance STM32F7 series reduce memory footprint by integrating value-added features including code-execution protection and high-speed USB physical-layer (PHY) circuitry that streamline development of connected applications. The STM32F732 and STM32F733 variants come with extra cryptographic features on-chip, such as an efficient AES256 HW engine. There are versatile package options from a 64-pin LQFP up to 176-pin LQFP or UFBGA for projects demanding high I/O count, and 256KB or 512KB of on-chip Flash memory with 256KB RAM.

Extensive pin, package, and software compatibility between the new devices and higher-end STM32F7 variants with 256KB to 2MB Flash memory and 256KB to 512KB RAM in packages up to 216-pin TFBGA simplifies design scaling for product differentiation and future-proofing. STM32F7 projects can also be readily ported throughout the large STM32 microcontroller family, which contains over 700 devices that cover all 32-bit Cortex-M cores and offer a wide range of peripheral, pin-count, and memory options.

ST is also introducing a new Discovery Kit, based on the STM32F769, with expansion connectors that include an 8-pin socket for Wi-Fi modules. The kit supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Other features include a 512-Mbit Quad-SPI (QSPI) Flash interface and new accessories that enhance flexibility and extend application reach, including the B-LCDAD-RPI1 15-pin single row Flexible Printed Circuit DSI adapter board and B-LCDAD-HDMI1 DSI-to-HDMI adapter, which enhance flexibility to attach a wide variety of displays. The kit can also be supplied with the B-LCD40-DSI 4-inch WVGA capacitive-touchscreen display pre-fitted, or without the display for extra affordability. The B-LCD40-DSI can be ordered separately if needed to upgrade the kit at a later date.

The STM32F769 Discovery Kits (starting from $49) with wireless-ready baseboards are available immediately, as are the DSI and HDMI display-adapter boards and the 4-inch WVGA MIPI-DSI touchscreen LCD. The STM32F722/723 and crypto-enhanced STM32F732/733 microcontroller lines will enter volume production in Q1 2017. Pricing starts from $5.04 (for 10,000 units) for the STM32F722RET6 in LQFP64.