MCU ICs suit networked, real-time, and audio applications.
Press Release Summary:
Based on 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3T CPU, STM32 Connectivity Line support simultaneous operation of Ethernet, USB OTG, and CAN2.0B peripherals. Audio capabilities are optimized via PLL scheme, enabling audio-class I2S communications. Along with PWM timer and HMI functions that can also be hosted on MCU, feature set lets developers consolidate multiple functions. Unit can also read, decode, and output audio from external storage, such as USB mass-storage device.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Attacks New Markets for STM32 Family in Networked, Real-Time and Audio Applications
New microcontrollers combine USB OTG, Ethernet, CAN2.0B interfaces, and audio-class I2S interfaces, bringing scalable 32-bit family to extra applications
Geneva, February 26, 2009 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of microcontroller ICs, has added another new line to its STM32 range, focusing on high-performance variants of industry-standard interfaces to allow more applications to benefit from the seamless pin-and-software compatibility between STM32 devices.
The new STM32 Connectivity Line adds a Full-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) interface, which allows end products to act as a USB Host or USB Device.
There is also an Ethernet interface featuring hardware support for IEEE1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Implementing the protocol in hardware reduces CPU overhead and enables faster response for real-time applications and when synchronizing networked devices.
The new Connectivity Line is also the first STM32 family to include two CAN2.0B controllers, which allows developers to build gateway devices linking two industry-standard Controller Area Network (CAN) buses. Moreover the new MCUs support simultaneous operation of Ethernet, USB OTG and CAN2.0B peripherals, thereby allowing developers to build gateway devices using a combination of these interfaces in a single chip.
"This new MCU family brings the benefits of the STM32 architecture to extra applications in the industrial, medical, building automation, home audio, and domestic appliance markets," said Jim Nicholas, General Manager of ST's Microcontroller Division. "There are now 75 MCUs across all STM32 families, benefiting from the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor and complete pin-to-pin and software compatibility, enabling our customers to base a complete line of products on a single MCU platform."
The STM32 Connectivity Line delivers increased audio capabilities, using an advanced Phase-Locked Loop scheme, enabling audio-class I2S communications.
Combined with the ability to act as a USB host or device, the STM32 can read, decode and output audio from external storage such as a USB mass-storage device or MP3 player. Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) functions such as Play and Stop buttons, as well as display interfacing, can also be hosted on the MCU. This will allow use in various home-audio products, such as docking systems, alarm-clock/music players and home theatre.
The combination of advanced, connectivity-oriented peripherals, standard STM32 peripherals including a PWM timer, and the high processing performance of the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3T CPU also allow developers to consolidate multiple functions such as motor-control, user-interface control and connectivity features in equipment such as domestic appliances, building controls or industrial automation. Other applications will include systems requiring network accessibility, data-logging, or USB peripheral extension, such as patient monitors, point-of-sale terminals, vending machines, and safety or security systems.
Among software and development tools supporting the STM32 families including the new STM32 Connectivity Line, there is a free software library provided by ST as well as broad-based support from third-party tools. An evaluation board will also be available. The STM32F105 and STM32F107 Connectivity Line families are currently sampling to lead customers, and devices are priced from $3.28 in the 64-Kbyte LQFP64 package and $4.92 for 256-Kbyte devices in the LQFP100, for quantities of 10,000 units.
FURTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION
New STM32 Family Capabilities
There are two product groups in the STM32 Connectivity Line, with the STM32F105 devices featuring USB OTG and CAN2.0B interfaces. The STM32F107 group adds the Ethernet 10/100 MAC alongside the USB OTG and CAN2.0B peripherals. The integrated Ethernet MAC supports both MII and RMII, thereby requiring only an external PHY chip to implement a complete Ethernet transceiver. A single 25MHz crystal can be used to clock the entire device, including the Ethernet and USB OTG peripherals. The MCU can also generate a 25 or 50MHz output which can be used to clock the external Ethernet PHY, thereby saving an additional crystal.
As part of the audio features, there are two I2S interfaces, which can be operated in either master or slave mode and can be operated as inputs or outputs with 16-bit or 32-bit resolution. Audio sampling frequencies from 8 to 96kHz are supported. By leveraging the MCU's high processing power, developers can also implement the audio codec in software to eliminate external components.
The USB OTG peripheral can also be used to allow upgrading of software in the field by plugging in a USB mass storage device such as a pen drive, and upgrades can also be downloaded via the Ethernet connection. This allows easier management and maintenance of large networks of systems such as remote controllers or Point-of-Sale equipment.
Leveraging the STM32 architecture
As well as the new peripherals supporting enhanced connectivity, the STM32 Connectivity Line also shares standard peripheral functions with other STM32 devices. This commonality enhances flexibility and allows developers to re-use software in multiple designs. Implemented using these blocks are 10 timers, two 12-bit 1-Msample/s ADCs (2-Msample/s in interleaved mode), two 12-bit DACs, two I2C interfaces, five USARTs and three SPI ports. The peripherals are supported with a total of 12 DMA channels, and there is also a CRC calculation unit supporting 96-bit unique identification, common to other STM32 variants.
The new devices also benefit from the low operating voltage and power-saving features of the STM32 family. The operating voltage range of 2.0V to 3.6V is compatible with popular battery technologies such as Li-ion and NiMH, and there is a dedicated Vbat pin supporting battery operation. Current draw is only 27mA at 72MHz when executing from Flash, and there are four low-power modes that reduce current draw to as little as two microamps. Fast start-up from low-power modes also saves power; starting-up using the STM32's internally-generated 8MHz signal wakes the device from STOP mode in less than 6 microseconds.
Memory and Package Options
The STM32F105 and STM32F107 Connectivity Line MCUs join the STM32 Access Line, USB Access Line and Performance Line families already announced, and share the 72MHz core frequency of the Performance Line. Embedded memory densities are from 64Kbyte to 256Kbyte of Flash and 20Kbyte to 64Kbyte of embedded SRAM. Package options are LQFP64, LQFP100 and LFBGA100. Consistent pin assignments from one package to another combine with the STM32 platform philosophy allowing developers to re-optimize functions, memory, performance, and number of pins through device selection, to satisfy individual applications with minimal other hardware changes required.
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