The STM32 F0 family of embedded microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics combines enhanced features with the ultra-low-power ARM® Cortex™-M0 embedded processor for extremely cost-sensitive applications. The microcontroller family bridges the gap for applications using 8 and 16-bit devices, enabling sophisticated high-end features in economical end products.

The ARM Cortex-M processor series has already revolutionized electronic product design by redefining familiar design trade-offs such as performance, cost, power consumption, ease of use and scalability. By creating the STM32 and defining its DNA to include outstanding real-time performance, leading low-power efficiency, an amazingly diverse set of advanced peripherals, and a valuable ecosystem of development tools, ST has established the industry's broadest and most successful family of Cortex-M processor-series-based-microcontrollers. The STM32 F0 family, builds on this DNA by using the well proven Cortex-M0 core, running at 48MHz version, and adding high-value features not available in competing devices.

The STM32 F0 addresses applications previously served by 8-bit MCUs, while taking advantage of the STM32 DNA with a complete portfolio, full manufacturing commitment and budgetary price. The enhanced features of the STM32 F0 family include up to seven timers suited for controlling items such as heaters or motors, enabling a single device to control multiple elements in an induction cooker, for example.

The STM32 F0 series also integrates hardware support for Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) included in the HDMI interface. This simplifies design into numerous home multimedia devices, allowing connections based on the latest industry-standard protocols while leaving the microcontroller's CPU, memory and peripherals free to perform other tasks. The CEC kernel can be independently clocked by a low-speed 32kHz external clock or internal 8MHz clock further reducing system cost. In addition, the STM32 F0's 12MHz I/O toggle speed allows developers to build sophisticated control applications at lower cost and lower power consumption.

STM32 F0 range overview

Additional on-chip features include an analog block comprising a 12-bit 1Msample/s Analog/ Digital Converter (ADC), a 12-bit Digital/Analog Converter (DAC), and two programmable input/ output analog comparators tightly coupled with the DAC. This results in higher analog capabilities than other M0--based devices from competing manufacturers, enabling developers to use a low-cost processor for applications requiring precision high-speed sensing and control across multiple channels.

With four low-power modes, including a 5.3µA STOP mode and a 2.8µA STANDBY mode with the real-time clock running, the energy-conscious STM32 F0 family simplifies deployment and extends battery life in applications such as remote controls, sensor networks and smart meters. The devices will also be ideal for use in industrial controls, building automation, consumer products, white goods, game consoles and audio/video receivers.

The PWM 16-bit and 32-bit timers integrated on-chip have capabilities including 17 capture/compare input/outputs mapped on up to 28 pins, making them ideal for motor-control applications. There are also two timers with infrared transmission control, which simplify implementation of infrared communication protocols.

High-performance communication features include a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) with support for programmable data frame up to 16 bits and baud rate up to 18Mbit/s, as well as an I2C port supporting Fast mode+ communication at up to 1Mbit/s. Also, activity on the I2C port can wake the microcontroller from STOP mode on address match and reduced constraints for easy communication clock setting. Programmable analog and digital noise filtering ensure robust communication. There is also a 6Mbit/s USART with support for multiple clock input options, capable of operating independently from the main processor clock frequency.

By providing a selection of industry-standard processor cores, licensable by microcontroller manufacturers, the ARM Cortex-M processor-series family frees designers from proprietary processor architectures and the constraints these impose.

System companies formerly locked into using older 8-bit or 16-bit families, through familiarity and investment in tools and software, can switch to ARM Cortex-M series processor-based microcontrollers and benefit from higher-performing 32-bit architectures capable of supporting extra functionality and more sophisticated applications.

The advantages of switching to ARM Cortex processor-based microcontrollers include pricing competitive with older 8-bit and 16-bit families thanks to the more modern Cortex design, and enhanced flexibility and scalability thanks to compatibility between pins, software and peripherals throughout large microcontroller families such as ST's STM32 family. ARM Cortex-M series processor-based microcontrollers are also characterized by low power consumption, high on-chip Flash and RAM densities, and a broad choice of packages from low-cost low pin-count styles to fine-pitch and BGA packages providing large numbers of I/Os.

Click here for more information or buy from Anglia Live.

Support for the STM32 F0 microcontroller family is provided by the STM32F0 Discovery Kit which helps customers to discover the STM32 F0 Cortex®-M0 features and to assist in the easy development of applications. It includes everything required for beginners and experienced users to get started quickly.

Anglia are offering customers a FREE STM32F0 Discovery Kit from STMicroelectronics, fill in the form below to register your interest now.

Requesting....