The STM32F3 series is the entry-level family of ST’s ARM® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller portfolio. The proven M4 core is equipped with a DSP and a floating-point unit and operates at speeds up to 72 MHz. The M4 core executes key routines, such as motor control loops, up to 43% faster through ST’s proprietary 'Routine Booster,' which is based on core-coupled memory (CCM-SRAM). In terms of performance, the STM32F3 family is positioned just above ST’s STM32F1 Cortex-M3 series and is one step ahead of it. The STM32 portfolio consists of over 600 devices that realize the benefits of broad hardware and software commonality, easy-to-use design tools, and a development ecosystem.

The newly added STM32F303 and STM32F302 feature up to 512KB of flash memory, enabling support for even more sophisticated applications within the F3 series. The new products are equipped with a Flexible Memory Controller (FMC) that allows access to various off-chip storage and LCD modules at 36MHz via 8/16-bit buses, along with additional SPI and I2C communication interfaces. Additionally, up to three 144MHz 16-bit motor control timers are included for multi-motor products found in consumer electronics, power tools, and industrial equipment. Furthermore, ST’s new STM32 Motor Ecosystem, consisting of the Software Development Kit (STSW-STM32100) and new hardware, provides faster and easier support for the development of motor controllers.

The STM32F3 is equipped with various peripherals and has added enhanced features. Newly added features include a 12-bit ADC providing top-tier performance of 5M samples per second, a true 16-bit sigma-delta ADC, a fast comparator (25ns), a fast high-resolution timer (217ps) with a complex-waveform builder, and an independent PGA (Programmable-Gain Amplifier). The new product is available in LQFP, BGA, or WLCSP options covering 32 to 144 pins.

The new product can be evaluated on two hardware boards: the NUCLEO-F303RE, which provides a 64-pin device for rapid prototyping and development sampling, and the STM32303E-EVAL, which provides a 100-pin device for evaluation. It also provides a full embedded software package encompassing peripheral drivers, libraries, and a stack (CubeF3). The STM32CubeMX tool offers features to simplify configuration and initialization for easy operation.

The STM32F302 with 512KB of flash is currently on sale. The STM32F302 is available in an LQFP64 package, and the price starts at $3.38 per 10,000 units when ordered.