ST Flexes new ARM MCU

Last week STmicroelectronics announced it next ARM MCU, STM32, based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core. ST’s first general market ARM MCU, STR710 was introduced in 2004. This is ST's first Cortex M3 MCU.

ST stated it was responding to customers asking for higher performance but with low power consumption. The company claims it is delivering on this along with a high level of integration. Code density is achieved with the Thumb-2 instruction set.

ST has designed the STM32 for battery operation. Target markets include point of sale terminals (including handhelds), USB devices, industrial automation, building security/fire/HVAC, appliances, portable digital consumer, and portable medical consumer products.

Initially the STM32 will be offered in a range, with a 48-pin, 32KB flash at $1.80 per 10Ku to a 100-pin 128KB flash priced $3.60 per 10Ku. Design kits are available 4Q 2007. ST is also offering a Motion Control Firmware Library (available 4Q 2007) which is aimed at industrial applications and appliances.

Semico Spin

The ARM architecture is dominant in the core based market such as DSP, baseband chips, custom designs, etc. It is a small part of the 32-bit MCU market but growing rapidly. When ARM first announced the Cortex design, there were some in the industry who were skeptical that it could be used for portable applications. ST has shown that is not the case.

The amount of Flash and the price offered will make the STM32 competitive in the MCU market. What should not be discounted is the Motion Control Firmware Library. ST has a long history in motion control and is offering that expertise to designers.