STMicroelectronics is broadening access to its STM32 microcontroller (MCU) family by introducing the most affordable series yet: the STM32C0.
According to STMicroelectronics, STM32 MCUs are used in billions of smart industrial, medical, and consumer products worldwide. With thousands of existing STM32 part numbers, product designers can select the features and performance they need at a price to suit their market.
In assuring availability, ST targets the new STM32C0 series to equipment like home appliances, industrial pumps, fans, smoke detectors, typically served by simpler 8-bit and 16-bit MCUs. The modern, 32-bit design of the STM32C0 permits improvements such as faster response, extra functions, and network connection at similar overall cost and power consumption.
At the same time, its entry-level simplicity and free and extensive support ecosystem with resources including tools, software packs, and the chance to connect with various developer communities ease entry to the 32-bit world for new users.
"The next generations of smart appliances and industrial controllers must be easy to use, ultra-competitively priced, and with assured supply," said Daniel Colonna, STM32 Marketing Director at STMicroelectronics. "By delivering on these requirements, our new STM32C0 general-purpose entry-level MCUs introduce exciting options to the 8-/16-bit applications space, with the added benefits that come with the broad and powerful STM32 ecosystem."
The STM32C0 series, now in high-volume production and available for shipment, is covered by STMicroelectronics' 10-year longevity program for industrial products, renewed every year. Nine package choices are available, offering various attributes such as easy handling, ultra-small form factor, and low profile
According to STMicroelectronics, it has engineered the new STM32C0 series to let designers do more with less: the MCUs are housed in small and economical packages with only one pair of external power connections, making more I/O pins available for the application while lowering bill-of-materials costs. Also, an on-board, high-accuracy (1%) clock saves external timing components.
As a part of the STM32 continuum, STM32C0 devices allow easy migration into the STM32G0 Series to tackle more demanding projects, sharing a consistent pinout. The STM32C0 series integrates up to date peripherals, including a 1.7 MSPS analog-digital converter (ADC) with hardware for 16-bit over-sampling multiple timers including an advanced control timer for applications like motor control.
Leveraging the STM32 platform, the new MCUs provide DMA (direct memory access) channels that boost application performance and efficiency. They run at up to 48MHz and deliver 44 DMIPS instruction throughput with CoreMark performance/efficiency of 114, drawing just 80 microampere/MHz in run mode.