Combination of ST FPC and 80MHz Arm Cortex-M4 cores
Can be integrated on a signal chain-on-chip for sensing
On the 20th, STMicroelectronics launched the new microcontrollers (MCUs) STM32L412 and STM32L422, featuring a key feature set and small package options. These products provide ultra-low power technology and superior performance for cost-sensitive consumer, industrial, and medical applications.

This MCU can be used without worrying about conditions such as core performance, energy, physical space, or material costs. By combining ST's FlexPowerControl (FPC) and an 80MHz Arm Cortex-M4 core with economical 64Kbyte or 128Kbyte flash capacities, it enhances efficiency and performance and has achieved high EEMBC benchmark scores. It runs quickly with a CoreMark score of 273 in devices such as smart sensors and consumer wearables, and demonstrates excellent energy management in the same fields with ULPMark-PP (Peripheral Profile) and ULPMark-CP (Core Profile) scores of 167.

The benchmark figures above can be utilized as a practical advantage of the product, as battery life can be maximized by utilizing features such as multiple low-power modes. In addition, the signal chain for sensing or heart rate monitoring can be integrated on-chip with analog peripherals such as two ADCs and comparators that perform simultaneous acquisition. The number of components and board space can be reduced by applying additional package options such as 5 x 5mm LQFP32 or 2.58 x 3.07mm WLCSP36.

Temperature ratings can be selected from -40°C to 85°C or -40°C to 125°C, enabling it to withstand harsh environments such as industrial or medical applications. System safety can be enhanced with Flash Error Correction (ECC) and Parity-Checking hardware for on-chip SRAM. Additionally, high-performance off-chip memory expansion is possible via a Quad-SPI interface, and a wide range of peripherals is provided for control and connectivity.

In addition, its high dynamic efficiency enables high performance in smart meters with only 28µA/MHz of low power consumption. Equipped with an integrated ADC, tamper-proof inputs in battery and backup power domains, a True Random-Number Generator (TRNG), and support for enhanced AES-256 encryption, the STM32L422 provides high accuracy and robust protection.

You can immediately start developing new devices by utilizing the STM32 ecosystem, such as the software package STM32CubeL4, the initialization code generator STM32CubeMX, and the power consumption calculator. Two new Nucleo boards have also been added to the ecosystem, including the NUCLEO-L412RB-P, which includes a 64-pin STM32L412 and an external step-down converter, and the NUCLEO-L412KB, which features a 32-pin STM32L412. This product is included in ST's 10-year product usage guarantee program.

The STM32L412 and STM32L422 are currently in mass production and are available with up to 128K bytes of flash and in 32-pin and 64-pin packages. Pricing starts at $1.51 for an annual order of 10,000 units for the STM32L412K8U6, which features 64Kbytes of flash based on the QFN-32 package.