STMicroelectronics — STM32H7R/S Microcontrollers

STMicroelectronics has revealed the new, high-performance STM32H7R/S series, microcontrollers which combine the simplicity and feature integration of MCUs with the performance, scalability and security more commonly found in microprocessor-based systems.  

Using these STM32H7R/S MCUs, product manufacturers can evolve products more quickly and cost effectively as end-user demands continue to multiply. Examples include adding richer, colorful user interfaces, and performing multiple functions simultaneously, capabilities which would normally require the use of a microprocessor.  

The new members of the STM32H7 family of MCUs adopt an architecture which embeds bootflash memory and SRAM on the chip, while application code and data are stored in external memory ICs. The bootflash provides for easier and more secure start-up, and facilitates application development using familiar tools and STM32 software packs. The STM32Cube software and tools help developers to set up the boot system and locate the code in external memories. 

At the same time, the developer is free to choose the right type and size of external memory to meet the application requirements. Application code can either be executed from external memory, or loaded into the large internal SRAM. The I/O pins for connecting external memory ICs embed memory crypto engines which encrypt and decrypt coded data on-the-fly. The memory interfaces operate at up to 200 MHz in double transfer rate (DTR) mode, ensuring seamless application execution. 

Alongside the STM32H7R/S MCU 600 MHz Arm Cortex-M7 core, ST has integrated the NeoChrom graphics processing unit (GPU), which enables the designer to realize MPU-like graphical user interfaces (GUIs) featuring rich colors, animation, and 3D-like effects. The MCU also includes a built-in display controller. This means that the MCU can handle vibrant and colorful high-definition user interfaces that would be too taxing for smaller microcontrollers. Running the UI uses only about 10% of the main CPU bandwidth, enabling appliances to deliver smartphone-like user experiences while also running demanding applications such as artificial intelligence, communication, and real-time control.  

The STM32H7R and STM32H7S are already supported in the ST TouchGFX GUI development framework, which enables developers to create imaginative effects with smooth and fluid graphics and animations. 

The new STM32H7R and STM32H7S MCUs provide robust security features, including protection against physical attacks, memory protection, code isolation to protect the application at runtime, and platform authentication.  

The STM32H7S MCUs provide even stronger security by integrating an immutable root-of-trust, debug authentication, and hardware cryptographic accelerators which support the latest algorithms to prevent unauthorized access to code and data. With these security features, the MCUs are intended to support up to SESIP3 and PSA Level 3 certification.