STMicroelectronics STM32MP1 microprocessor series

STMicroelectronics is expanding the capabilities of its STM32 MCU portfolio to applications requiring even more performance, resources and large open-source software. The STM32MP1 multicore microprocessor series with compute and graphics support, combined with power-efficient real-time control and high feature integration, will facilitate development of high-performance solutions for industrial, consumer, smart home, health and wellness applications.

The microprocessor (MPU) series leverages the STM32-family ecosystem from ST and its partners, including tools and technical support. Moreover, with the release of OpenSTLinux as a mainlined, open-source Linux distribution, it extends the STM32 family to address requirements for real-time, power-constrained applications.

Users can now develop a range of applications using the STM32 heterogeneous architecture that combines Arm Cortex-A and Cortex-M cores. This flexible architecture performs fast processing and real-time tasks on a single chip, always achieving power efficiency. For example, by stopping Cortex-A7 execution and running only from the more efficient Cortex-M4, power can typically be reduced to 25%. From this mode, going to Standby further cuts power by 2.5k times — while still supporting the resumption of Linux execution in 1 to 3 s, depending on the application.

The STM32MP1 embeds a 3D graphics processor unit (GPU) to support human-machine interface (HMI) displays. It also supports a wide range of external DDR SDRAM and flash memories. Moreover, the MPU embeds a large set of peripherals that can be seamlessly allocated either to Cortex-A/Linux or Cortex-M /Real-time activities.

The series is available in a range of BGA packages to support low PCB cost structure and use a small amount of board space. Enhanced STM32Cube tools, specially upgraded from the STM32Cube package for Cortex-M microcontrollers, feature all necessary characteristics to accelerate microprocessor development using Arm Cortex-A-core MPUs.

For more information: www.st.com/stm32mp1.