- STM32 F4 Series with ART Accelerator ∙∙∙ Achieved New CoreMark™ Benchmark Record Using Green Hills Software's Latest Compiler

January 16, 2012, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor company in various electronic device applications, announced that the STM32 F4 series has been proven to be the world's highest-performing ARM® Cortex™-M microcontroller in processor performance tests conducted independently using the latest software tools from Green Hills Software.

The 2012 version of the Green Hills Software Compiler has improved the performance of the STM32 F4 series by 29% in the industry-standard CoreMark™ test. The CoreMark test displays performance as a total score by summing the scores of all categories, allowing product developers to compare processors from various manufacturers. The increase in the CoreMark score once again demonstrates that the STM32 F4 series provides the best performance among Cortex-M microcontrollers currently on the market, capable of meeting even the most creative application requirements.

The code executed in Flash used complex code to measure the performance of the architecture, and in the CoreMark test results conducted using Green Hills Compiler version 2012, ST’s STM32 F4 series ran at a maximum frequency of 168 MHz and received a record-breaking score of 469 points. This score corresponds to 2.79 CoreMark/MHz and is also the highest record among embedded processors. When tested on RAM, it obtained a higher score of 481 CoreMark or 2.86 CoreMark/MHz.

The architecture, which includes ST’s Adaptive Real-time (ART) accelerator, enables the STM32 F4 series to provide superior performance compared to other Cortex-M processors. The ART accelerator speeds up code and data retrieval from flash memory and enhances the performance of the standard Cortex-M4 processing engine, which consists of enhanced features that support the efficient execution of the “32-bit microcontroller unit,” “floating-point unit,” and “digital-signal-processor single-cycle instructions.”

Michel Buffa, General Manager of ST’s Microcontroller Business Unit, stated, “The ART accelerator, along with the upgraded Green Hills compiler, is a key feature that has pushed the performance of the STM32 F4 series to the world’s highest level. The advanced architecture of the STM32 F4 series enables customers to enjoy the greatest benefits of the leading performance improvements of the latest Green Hills compiler. The STM32 F4 series is already the world’s highest-performing Cortex-M-based microcontroller, and compiler version 2012 adds the family’s unique ART accelerator and other features.”

Christopher Smith, Vice President of Marketing at Greenhills Software, stated, “With the new compiler version 2012, Greenhills Software has improved the performance of the Cortex-M based STM32 F4 series to a new record level.”

The STM32 F4 series is available in four variants, all of which are in mass production. The STM32F407VET6 in an LQFP 100 package, equipped with 512Kb flash and 192Kb RAM, is priced at a minimum of $5.74 for orders of 1,000 units.

STM32 is a registered trademark of STMicroelectronics; ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM. All other trademarks are the property of their respective registrants.

Information regarding ARM Cortex-M processors and the STM32 family
The ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 licensed processor cores lead the embedded microcontroller market. Providing 32-bit processing capabilities at competitive prices for 16-bit and 8-bit processors, these products are used by microcontrollers worldwide as foundational products for the development of next-generation product families. The M4 core also features a floating-point unit and supports the efficient execution of single-cycle digital signal processing instructions, eliminating the need for designers to add auxiliary processors for special functions such as digital audio or high-speed sensing.

ST, one of the first companies to sign an ARM Cortex-M licensing agreement, has developed an extensive family of STM32® microcontrollers using the core products, enabling the addition of features to ST processors' already outstanding performance and low cost. For example, pin and software compatibility between devices [allows] the product
It enables developers to reuse proven software, standardize PC boards, and easily scale their designs up or down. Integrated peripherals, such as communication interfaces, controllers, and converters, also maintain consistency across all devices. A total of over 250 diverse STM32 configurations are available, including the Value Line, Performance Line, Access Line, USB Access Line, Connectivity Line, and the M3 processor-based High Density Line. The high-performance basic M3-based STM32 F2 series, equipped with ST’s ART accelerator and a multi-layer bus matrix for high-speed program execution, is also currently on the market.

ST combined the M3 processor with proprietary ultra-low power technology to create the STM32L family for energy-efficient applications, such as battery-powered applications. In September 2011, ST launched the STM32 F4 series, featuring the M4 DSP-enhanced core, a multi-layer bus matrix, and a multi-DMA controller, to deliver powerful performance and enable simultaneous processing and data transfer. This high-performance device provides features that optimize dynamic power consumption and speed, such as backup SRAM supporting power-saving modes and integrated voltage regulation capabilities. By integrating a 2.4 MSPS 12-bit ADC, 12-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, a camera interface, a security co-processor, and peripherals including Ethernet, USB, CAN, and SD cards, the STM32 F4 can support applications such as advanced automation, surveillance, home audio, networking, communications, and digital media.