ST launches the advanced ultra-low power STM32 microcontroller for the industrial, medical, smart meter and consumer electronics markets

     STMicroelectronics has released a new generation of microcontrollers focused on energy saving and cost effectiveness. The new generation reduces energy consumption by up to 50% compared to the previous generation. High energy efficiency can reduce the number of battery replacements, minimize the environmental impact of used batteries, and allow more designers to choose battery-free designs, using energy harvesting systems such as solar cells to power equipment.

     As the world looks for sustainable development, smart buildings and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are important means to improve the efficiency of energy and resource management. Smart buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT) are inseparable from smart sensors and actuators. St microcontrollers are a key component of smart sensors and actuators that manage data acquisition, filtering, analysis and action decision-making processes, as well as communicate with advanced applications in the cloud. There are billions of these MCUS in operation today, and billions more will be needed in the future as smart living work continues to evolve.

     Patrick Aidoune, General manager of ST's Universal MCU division, explains: "It is important that these ubiquitous devices use as little power as possible, as this helps minimize the amount of power wasted elsewhere. The new STM32U0 family of microcontrollers, introduced today, takes this concept to the next level, using our proven ultra-low power technology to consume very little power and double the battery life of the same capacity in small, specialized devices such as industrial sensor management. As a result, developers can add more advanced features to a wide range of industrial, medical and consumer devices, providing cost-effective solutions."

     The STM32U0 new family of MCUS combines cutting-edge design technology and advanced manufacturing processes to achieve a quantum leap in energy efficiency levels, including extremely low static power consumption in standby mode and superior wake up performance, enabling the MCU to operate longer in power-saving sleep mode, minimizing average energy requirements.

     In the security monitoring system market, a potential customer uses the STM32U0 wake-up system in the surveillance camera, when someone is found to move, the camera automatically wakes up and shoots, achieving both energy saving and monitoring. Another customer designed a long-life firework detector with the STM32U0, which Ascol uses to manage power-focused water meter functions.

     Francesco Cerretani, Senior Software Development Engineer at Ascol, said: "Ascol develops a variety of innovative electronic products with a focus on iot technology. We are designing an ultrasonic water meter with a battery life of more than 10 years, an integrated LCD panel that displays real-time data, and the necessary safety protection features. We found the STM32U0 to be the perfect solution to enable us to develop low-cost, ultra-low power, easy to install, maintenance-free and accurate metering water meters. When deployed at scale in a customer's water network, the new meters will improve leakage control and help reduce environmental impact."

     The STM32U0 is equipped with an LCD segment code display controller to help increase the cost effectiveness of the application. Devices with LCD panels, such as Ascol's water meters, thermostats, smart retail labels, access panels and factory automation control devices, can take advantage of this configuration to reduce PCB costs. Other value added features of the STM32U0 MCU include a variety of analog peripherals, such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (Dacs), operational amplifiers, and comparators. A system oscillator is also integrated on the chip, helping to reduce the bill of materials, save costs and PCB space.

     The STM32U0 is the first Arm®Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller on the market with a focus on firmware code protection with SESIP Level 3 and PSA Level 1 security certification. Product certification provides customers with third-party assurance of the STM32U0's security features, and product manufacturers can use the security certification to meet the upcoming voluntary US Network Trust Mark certification and mandatory EU Radio Equipment Certification Directive (RED) requirements.