STMicroelectronics Attacks New Markets for STM32 Family in Networked, Real-Time and Audio Applications

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-M3™ 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.