ST launches world's most powerful Cortex processor-based MCUs

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics has introduced its new STM32 F4 series of microcontrollers. This extension to the STM32 platform is based on the latest ARM Cortex-M4 core, which adds signal-processing capabilities and faster operations to the already outstanding portfolio of STM32 microcontrollers; the new series, which is available now, reinforces ST's leadership and claims the title of highest-performance Cortex-M processor-based microcontroller range in the market.

The STM32 range is the industry's most successful family of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M processor-based microcontrollers, with nearly one of every two units shipped being a member of the STM32 family.

Beyond addressing a wide range of applications with the existing STM32 portfolio including metering, medical services, point of sales (POS), building security and automation, home audio, and others, ST is further widening its target applications with the STM32 F4 series. The single-cycle DSP instructions of the STM32 F4 open the doors to the digital signal controller (DSC) market that requires high computational capability and DSP instructions for demanding applications such as high-end motor control, medical equipment and security.

By providing a simple, full pin-to-pin and software compatible upgrade from the STM32 F2 series with more SRAM, higher performance and a robust collection of peripherals, the F4 series will enable customers designing with the STM32 F2 series MCUs to offer product extensions by upgrading to the F4 series if they need more memory, performance or features. In addition, customers currently using a 2-chip MCU and DSP approach can now combine both chips in one high-performance digital signal controller.

"The STM32 F4 series is attractive for so many more reasons than simply because it is the highest performing Cortex M processor-based microcontroller available on the market today," said Claude Dardanne, executive VP and GM, Microcontrollers, Memories and Secure MCUs Group.

"With more than 250 compatible devices already in production, the industry's best development ecosystem, and outstanding power consumption and overall functionality, the F4 family is the cherry at the top of the STM32 family of Cortex-M processor-based MCUs, which now includes four product series: the STM32 F1 series, the STM32 F2 series and the STM32 L1 series, all based on the Cortex-M3 processor, and the new F4 Series, based on the Cortex-M4 processor."

"ST's decision to include the ARM Cortex-M4 processor into its broad MCU portfolio is a testimony to the processor's low power consumption, advanced design and high-performance DSP capabilities," said Lance Howarth, EVP, Marketing, ARM. "ST now has one of the broadest ARM Cortex-M series processor-based portfolios available. The Cortex-M series represents the fastest growing MCU architecture and the STM32 F4 microcontroller will undoubtedly further accelerate the adoption of the ARM architecture across microcontroller applications."

Beyond offering pin-to-pin and software compatible with the high-performance F2 series, the F4 series operates at a higher frequency (168 MHz instead of 120 MHz), offers single-cycle DSP instruction support and a Floating Point Unit, larger SRAM (192 Kbytes vs. 128 Kbytes), embedded flash memory from 512 Kbytes up to 1 Mbyte, and advanced peripherals for imaging, connectivity and encryption. ST's 90nm CMOS process technology and the integrated ST Adaptive Real Time "ART Accelerator" deliver state-of-the-art performance, with zero-wait-state program execution up to 168 MHz, and best-in-class dynamic power.