Expanding accessories and options for the related development ecosystem

STMicroelectronics (hereinafter ST) announced the launch of a new STM32F7 microcontroller line that enables easy access to high-performance embedded designs based on ARM® Cortex®-M7 cores, and the expansion of accessories and options for the related development ecosystem.

The newly released microcontrollers STM32F722 and STM32F723 integrate code execution protection and high-speed USB PHY (Physical-layer) circuitry. This allows for reduced memory capacity, simplifying the development of connected applications. The variants, the STM32F732 and STM32F733, also provide separate on-chip encryption features. There are various package options available, ranging from 64 pins to a maximum of 176 pins in LQFP, and UFBGA packages are available for projects requiring high I/O counts. On-chip flash memory can be selected up to 256KB or 512KB, and 256KB of RAM is supplied alongside the device.

Pin, package, and software compatibility is excellent even between the new products and high-end STM32F7 variants.

Flash memory is available in sizes ranging from 256KB to 2MB, and RAM from 256KB to 512KB; packages up to 216-pin TFBGA are also available. This simplifies design, contributing to product differentiation and long-term product value. Furthermore, STM32F7-based projects can be easily ported to any product within the broad STM32 microcontroller family. ST's STM32 product family consists of over 700 products, supports all 32-bit Cortex-M cores, and offers a variety of peripherals, pin counts, and memory options.

ST also introduced a Discovery Kit based on the STM32F769, featuring an expansion connector including an 8-pin socket for a Wi-Fi module. This product supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and includes a 512Mbit Quad-SPI (QSPI) flash interface, along with new accessories that enhance flexibility and expand application areas.

For example, various displays can be attached using the 15-pin single-column FPC adapter board B-LCDAD-RPI1 and the DSI-HDMI adapter B-LCDAD-HDMI1. This kit comes in two versions: the 4-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen display B-LCD40-DSI, or a version without a display for cost-effectiveness. The B-LCD40-DSI can be purchased separately if a kit upgrade is needed later.

Sales have begun for the STM32F769 Discovery Kit equipped with a wireless-enabled base board (starting at $49), DSI and HDMI display-adapter boards, and the 4-inch WVGA MIPI-DSI touchscreen LCD. The STM32F722/723 and STM32F732/733 microcontroller lines with added encryption features are scheduled for mass production in the first quarter of 2017, with the LQFP64 package-based STM32F722RET6 starting at $5.04 (in 10,000-unit quantities).