250MHz MCU strengthens security for IoT

The devices come with cutting-edge security provided by STM32Trust TEE Secure Manager for smart, connecteddevices.

The new STM32H5 MCUs are based on the embedded Arm Cortex-M33 core offering security, energy efficiency, and affordability, to address the mid-range class of MCU-based applications.

ST says it is the world’s highest performing Cortex-M33 implementation, running at 250MHz and delivering 375 DMIPS for an EEMBC CoreMarkindustry-reference score of 1023.

The STM32H5 series is designed to accelerate innovation at scale for the coming generations of smart, connected devices, which provide more intelligence “in the edge” and also strengthens defences against attacks on IoT assets.

The Cortex-M33 core brings Arm’s TrustZone architecture. Building on this, ST adds a range of its own security features, including some developed with ST Authorised Partner, ProvenRun.

The STM32H5 is the first MCU series to come with system-on-chip (SoC) security services accessed via an industry-standard API. This facility, called STM32Trust TEE Secure Manager, saves developers writing their own code while providing security services developed according to known best practice. It simplifies development while ensuring effective protection.

“Our connected world is ready for the enhancements coming with the STM32H5 series, to support advanced services while keeping users, assets, and data secure,”said Ricardo De Sa Earp, Executive Vice President General-Purpose Microcontroller Sub-Group, Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group. “We expect these new MCUs to become the preferred controllers for making tomorrow’s smart homes, factories, and cities intelligent, safe, andsustainable.”

Challenging the perception that increased performance comes with power dissipation constraints for developers, the STM32H5 MCUs also improve energy efficiency by leveraging ST’s advanced 40nm CMOS process technology and improvedon-chippower-conversioncircuits.

WiththeseMCUs,powerdissipationis no longer a constraint when using a 250MHz device in harsh environments where the ambient temperature can reach 125°C.

In addition, STM32H5 MCUs are SIL- ready for products that must meet an appropriate safety integrity level (SIL), thanks to native hardware features that address a wide range of industrial and medical applications.

Typical applications for the new MCUs include air conditioning systems, appliances, and alarm systems, industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor controls, industrial pumps, communication gateways, lighting controls, and energy conversion.

They are also used in consumer products such as PC peripherals, smartphones, and accessories.

The devices are available now from STMicroelectronics and will be debuted at the embedded world exhibition in Nuremberg next week (March 14-16).