STMicroelectronics introduces the newly upgraded and faster STM32H7 microcontroller

     STMicroelectronics introduces record speed STM32* microcontroller (MCU) embedded in flash memory, bringing high-end features of graphical user interface, AI and advanced network protection to cost-conscious new products.The new STM32H7 MCU is based on the Arm® Cortex-M7 core at 550 MHz and is the fastest on-chip flash memory MCU in the deep embedded application market. These single-core microcontrollers are equipped with up to 1 MB of flash memory, bringing increased performance and economy to cost-conscious applications.

     The new product can run code stored in external memory, while handling performance and security protection without any impact. With the help of features such as the Variable Memory controller (FMC) and the eight-wire SPI memory interface, benchmark performance tests achieved 2778CoreMark®[1] and 1177 DMIPS, whether running on-chip memory or external memory code, enabling designers to solve the challenge of applications requiring greater storage capacity. For example, high-resolution full-color graphics and videos that require large frame caches create new products with more advanced user experiences and a stronger sense of presence.

     The TouchGFX GUI development framework STM32Cube extension Pack (X-Cub-TouchGFX) and the TouchGFX Designer programming tool further aid in the development of the full-color GUI, both of which are freely available.With the STM32Cube ecosystem and STM32Cube.AI (X-CUBE-AI), neural networks can be imported into microcontrollers to develop advanced features enabled by AI technology, utilizing parallel camera interfaces and computer vision technology. By connecting the STM32H7 to one or more sensors, additional value such as condition monitoring and other machine learning technologies can be brought to STM32-based products.

     As a component of the STM32Trust security framework, the network protection feature adds support for instant decryption (OTFDEC) and Secure Firmware Installation (SFI). The OTFDEC function allows the chip to execute the encryption code in the external memory, and the SFI security function allows Oems to order standard products from anywhere in the world and write the encryption code on-site, both solutions effectively protect OEM intellectual property in flash memory.

     Directly available security features include support for secure boot, symmetric encryption (via hardware or software libraries), and encryption key configuration, as well as asymmetric encryption (via software libraries). Cryptographic algorithms are processed using hardware random number generators, AES-128, AES-192, and AES-256 cryptographic algorithms hardware accelerators, and algorithms that support GCM and CCM[2], Triple DES, and hashed (MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-2).

     Ricardo de Sa Earp, Vice President of ST's division and General Manager of MicroController Products, said: "Our new STM32H7 MCU enables small, low-power products to deliver outstanding functionality and performance, taking full advantage of the superior economy and energy efficiency of the STM32 family. "Home appliances, small medical devices, and industrial sensors and actuators that previously might not have been able to integrate compute-intensive functions, such as AI, graphical interfaces, and human-machine voice interaction, now have suitable solutions."

     Several key features of the new product make it a huge advantage in industrial applications, for example, the on-chip integrated switching power supply (SMPS) overcomes dissipated power limitations and increases operating temperatures to 125°C. In addition, by providing error check (ECC) functionality for all memory, the new product has fault recovery capability.

     ST has updated the STM32 development ecosystem to enable users to quickly get started with new products. Flexible prototyping and functional demonstrations are available with the STM32H735G-DK Discovery kit, while the NUCLEO-H723ZG Nucleo-144 development board provides a cost-effective option for rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept models. The latest STM32H7 MCUS also support the STM32Cube ecosystem, which consists of tools, embedded software, and middleware, including graphics libraries, communication protocol stacks, and application code examples such as motor control, AI, and advanced security protection features.

     Users can also develop the full capabilities of the new microcontroller using application and security function software tools released by Arm®Keil and IAR Systems.Haydn Povey, general manager, Embedded Security Solutions, IAR Systems, said: "ST's latest STM32H7 MCU is a game changer that improves economy, performance and security. Security features including enhanced crypto accelerators, advanced external memory protection and security key configuration are all key features required to meet regulatory requirements, including the latest EN303645 standard. We hope that the IAR Embedded Workbench and C-Trust security framework will become the integrated development environment of choice for engineers to realize their full potential in the next generation of designs."