ST Unveils Cutting-Edge Low-Power Microcontrollers and Introduces Advanced Processing Technology
Renowned as a forefront runner in the microcontroller domain, STMicroelectronics has launched its latest series of high-performance, ultra-low-power MCUs alongside a pioneering process node enhancement for its forthcoming microcontroller products.
The low-power nature of the STM32U0 MCU family may reduce frequent battery replacements, minimize the number of discarded batteries, and enable more battery-free designs that instead use energy-harvesting systems.
In this article, we will explore the details of both announcements to understand what they offer and how ST is setting itself apart from its competitors.
ST Reveals Cutting-Edge Low-Energy Microcontrollers
The latest STM32U0 family of MCUs from ST is designed with a powerful 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0+ core, capable of running at speeds of up to 56 MHz. A significant component of their architecture (as mentioned in the datasheet) is the innovative adaptive real-time memory accelerator (ART accelerator), which includes a 1-KB instruction cache that facilitates instantaneous execution from Flash memory without any wait states. This processing framework is complemented by as much as 64 KB of Flash memory and 12 KB of SRAM.
STM32U0 block diagram. (Click to enlarge—page 6 of the datasheet.)
At the core of the STM32U0's architecture is its remarkable energy efficiency. This is achieved through various power-conserving modes, such as stop, standby, and shutdown, which drastically cut power usage when the device is not active. In VBAT mode, the MCU only draws 130 nA, sinking to a mere 16 nA in shutdown and operating at 52 uA/MHz during active run mode. ST's performance assessments of this new lineup boast a CoreMark score of 134 (equating to 2.4 CoreMark/MHz at a frequency of 56 MHz) and a Drystone 2.1 benchmark of 1.13 DMIPS/MHz.
The STM32U0 series also has a wealth of communication interfaces integrated into its design for enhanced connectivity, including USARTs/LPUARTs, I2Cs, and SPIs, all suited for serial data exchange. In addition to these, the series is equipped with a comprehensive set of analog peripherals. This includes a rapid 12-bit ADC capable of 0.4 us conversion times, a 12-bit DAC, a versatile general-purpose op-amp, and an ultra-low-power comparator. Security is not overlooked — the MCUs are fortified with robust security features such as hardware-based read-out protection, a secure boot mechanism, five passive anti-tamper pins, and customer code protection features.
ST foresees these advanced MCUs being employed across various applications, from IoT solutions and smart sensors to consumer electronic products, leveraging their efficiency and features for the next generation of smart technology.
ST Surpasses 20-nm Technology Threshold
In another notable development, ST has disclosed the introduction of a new microcontroller family that successfully surpasses the 20-nm technology milestone.
Utilizing an advanced 18 nm fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) manufacturing process, enriched with embedded phase-change memory (ePCM), these next-generation microcontrollers offer significant advancements in performance and energy efficiency. This breakthrough, realized through a partnership with Samsung Foundry, facilitates increased memory storage and improved consolidation of analog and digital peripherals.
An FD-SOI MOSFET
ST Showcases Semiconductor Advancement with 20-nm Milestone
A pivotal highlight of this advancement is the 50% enhancement in the performance-to-power ratio when compared to the existing 40-nm embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM) technologies. The adoption of ePCM technology has led to a substantial 2.5 times increase in non-volatile memory (NVM) density, paving the way for larger built-in memory options. This upgrade also results in a threefold improvement in digital density, which paves the way for integrating sophisticated functionalities such as AI and graphic accelerators, in addition to robust security features.
Operating at a voltage level of 3 V, this technology supports crucial analog functions essential for power management, reset systems, clock resources, and digital-to-analog conversions. Furthermore, the advanced sub-20-nm technology has been tailored for robustness, making it particularly well-suited for challenging industrial and automotive scenarios, where reliable performance in high-temperature conditions, radiation resistance, and data retention are essential.
ST Affirms its Innovatory Domination in the MCU Sphere
With a pair of momentous disclosures in recent weeks, STMicroelectronics is reinforcing its stature as a pioneering force in the microcontroller segment. By introducing a leading-edge contender in the ultra-low-power domain and pushing the envelope in semiconductor process technology, ST is enhancing the capabilities of microcontrollers for engineers who seek increased efficiency and performance.
While the STM32U0 series has commenced production, ST is planning to initiate prototypes of its revolutionary sub-20-nm MCUs in the latter half of 2024.
BonChip Electronics is a leading distributor of electronic components, with a long history of providing high-quality products and services to customers around the world. We are an distributor of ST, and we offer the full line of STM32 MCUs, along with a comprehensive portfolio of development tools and technical support.
Contact BonChip Electronics today to learn more about the STM32U5 series MCUs and how they can help you achieve your design goals.
All images used courtesy of STMicroelectronics.
