STMicroelectronics reveals advanced ultra-low-power STM32 microcontrollers for industrial, medical, smart-metering, and consumer applications
- STMicroelectronics launches energy-efficient STM32 microcontrollers with up to 50% lower energy consumption.
- The new STM32U0 series enables longer battery life and cost-effective solutions for industrial, medical, and consumer devices.
- The MCUs feature advanced design techniques, low static power consumption, and superior wake-up performance for energy efficiency.
- STMicroelectronics targets smart building and IoT applications with the STM32U0 series, supporting sustainability efforts.
- The STM32U0 devices offer valuable features like LCD segment display controller, analog peripherals, and on-chip system oscillator.
- The MCUs are the first to run on Arm Cortex-M0+ targeting SESIP Level 3 and PSA level 1 for enhanced security.
- STMicroelectronics provides the new STM32U0 series at an attractive price point starting at $0.68 for 1,000 units.
- Developers can leverage up to 256KB of Flash, package options up to 81 pins, and 56MHz core speed for diverse applications.
- None.
Insights
The introduction of STMicroelectronics' new STM32U0 series of microcontrollers is a significant development within the semiconductor industry. By reducing energy consumption by up to 50%, these MCUs present a compelling proposition for manufacturers seeking to develop sustainable and cost-effective products. The energy efficiency gains are particularly relevant for battery-powered devices, potentially doubling the battery life, which can lead to reduced operational costs and improved product longevity.
From a market perspective, the demand for such energy-efficient components is on the rise, driven by the expanding IoT market and increased environmental awareness. The STM32U0 series, with its advanced features such as an integrated LCD segment display controller and numerous analog peripherals, can cater to a broad range of applications. This diversity can help STMicroelectronics tap into various sectors, potentially increasing their market share.
The pricing strategy, starting at $0.68 for 1,000 units, is aggressive and could disrupt the market by making these advanced MCUs accessible to a wider range of customers. The cost-effectiveness of the STM32U0 series may stimulate innovation and accelerate the development of new products across industries such as industrial automation, medical devices and consumer electronics.
The STM32U0's design aligns with global sustainability goals by addressing the environmental impact of electronic devices. Reducing energy consumption is vital in minimizing the carbon footprint of electronic products and the STM32U0 series takes a step forward in this direction. The ability for devices to run solely on energy-harvesting systems, like photovoltaic cells, is a transformative feature that can lead to a new generation of self-sustaining devices, reducing the need for battery production and disposal.
Furthermore, the potential for extended battery life not only reduces waste but also aligns with consumer expectations for durable and maintenance-free products. The STM32U0 series could help manufacturers meet eco-design directives and environmental standards, which are becoming increasingly stringent worldwide. Compliance with these standards can open up new markets and provide a competitive advantage for companies adopting these MCUs in their products.
The focus on security in the STM32U0 series is a response to the growing concerns around cybersecurity in connected devices. With the MCU targeting SESIP Level 3 and PSA level 1 certifications, STMicroelectronics is addressing a critical need for secure firmware code protection. As connected devices proliferate, the potential for cybersecurity breaches increases, making security a top priority for manufacturers.
The certifications mentioned are significant as they provide assurance to manufacturers and end-users regarding the security measures embedded within the microcontrollers. This is particularly relevant in light of upcoming regulations like the US Cyber Trust Mark and the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which will mandate certain levels of cybersecurity compliance. By being proactive in meeting these standards, STMicroelectronics is positioning the STM32U0 series as a future-proof solution for manufacturers looking to adhere to these regulations, potentially leading to increased adoption of their MCUs.
STMicroelectronics reveals advanced ultra-low-power STM32 microcontrollers for industrial, medical, smart-metering, and consumer applications
New flagship in ultra-low-power consumes less, delivers more at effective cost
Geneva, Switzerland, March 19, 2024 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has introduced a new generation of energy-conscious and cost-effective microcontrollers (MCUs) that can reduce energy consumption by up to
In the global pursuit of sustainability, technologies deployed in smart buildings and Internet of Things (IoT) applications are critical tools for managing energy and resources efficiently. At the heart of the smart sensors and actuators making them possible, ST’s microcontrollers manage the processes that collect, filter, analyze, and act, communicating with high-level applications in the cloud. There are billions of these MCUs in action already and the expansion of smart living and working will demand billions more.
“It’s vital that these pervasive devices consume as little energy as possible as they help to minimize waste elsewhere. The new STM32U0 microcontroller series we are introducing today takes this notion to a new level, building on our proven ultra-low-power technologies,” explained Patrick Aidoune, General Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “In fact, our new MCUs consume so little power that small devices in some dedicated applications like industrial sensor management can run for twice as long from the same size battery. This comes with the opportunity to add more advanced features and deliver cost-effective solutions for a variety of industrial, medical and consumer devices.”
The new STM32U0 MCUs enable this great leap in energy efficiency through a combination of their state-of-the-art design techniques and advanced manufacturing process. These include extremely low static power consumption in standby mode and superior wake-up performance, enabling the MCU to spend more time in power-saving sleep modes to minimize average energy demand.
One lead customer, in the security-systems market, is using the STM32U0 in security cameras to wake the device when motion is detected and thus enhance surveillance while saving energy. Another has created ultra-long-lasting smoke detectors, while a further application, by Ascoel, is using the STM32U0 to manage power-conscious functions of a water meter.
“Ascoel builds a wide range of innovative electronic devices with a focus on IoT technologies. We are working to design an ultrasonic water meter, with battery lasting for more than 10 years, integrating an LCD screen for real-time data, as well as the necessary security,” said Francesco Cerretani, Senior Software Developer, Ascoel. “We found that the STM32U0 was the perfect solution, supporting our goal to create a low-cost, ultra-low-power, easy-to-install, zero maintenance, precise water meter. When deployed at scale in the customer’s grid, it will improve control over water leakage and contribute to reducing the environmental impact.”
The STM32U0 enhances cost-effectiveness by providing an LCD segment display controller. Devices with an LCD, like Ascoel’s water meter as well as thermostats, smart retail labels, access-control panels, and factory automation can take advantage of this to reduce the cost of their PCB. Additional value-added features of STM32U0 MCUs include numerous analog peripherals like analog-to-digital converters (ADC), digital-to-analog converters (DAC), operational amplifiers, and comparators. There is also an on-chip system oscillator that helps cut the bill of materials to save costs and PCB space.
STM32U0 devices are the first MCUs running on Arm® Cortex®-M0+ targeting SESIP Level 3 and PSA level 1 focusing on firmware code protection. Certification provides an independent assurance of the STM32U0 security capabilities that product manufacturers can leverage to comply with the coming voluntary US Cyber Trust Mark and mandatory EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
Developers can also take advantage of up to 256KB of Flash, package options up to 81 pins, and 56MHz core speed, which are generous specifications for this class of device.
The STM32U0 series is in production now and ST is making the new devices available at an attractive price point starting at
For more information, please go to www.st.com/stm32u0.
A marketing presentation for the STM32U0 series is available at https://www.st.com/resource/en/product_presentation/microcontrollers-stm32u0-series-product-overview.pdf.
STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.
About STMicroelectronics
At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.
For Press Information Contact:
Alexis Breton
Corporate External Communications
Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
alexis.breton@st.com
Attachments
- P4616S -- Mar 19 2024 -- STM32U0 MCUs_FINAL FOR PUBLICATION
- P4616S -- Mar 19 2024 -- STM32U0 MCUs_IMAGE
FAQ
What is the ticker symbol for STMicroelectronics?
What are the key features of the new STM32U0 microcontrollers?
What applications can benefit from the STM32U0 series?
What is the starting price point for the STM32U0 microcontrollers?
What security features are included in the STM32U0 series?
