The STM32F107 family adds a complete 10/100 Ethernet MAC with hardware support for the IEEE1588 Precise Time Protocol, enabling Ethernet connectivity for real-time applications. Dedicated buffers allow the USB OTG, the two CAN controllers and the Ethernet interfaces to operate simultaneously to satisfy communication-gateway applications, as well as a host of challenges requiring flexible, industry-standard connectivity.
Both families also support audio-class I2S communications which, combined with USB host and SPI capability, allows the micro to read music files from external storage such as a USB mass-storage device, an MP3 player or SD card, and decode and output audio via the I2S. Such features are required in home-audio products such as docking systems, alarm-clock/music players, and home theaters. The high processing power of the ARM Cortex-M3 allows developers to implement important functions such as the audio codec and human-interface functions such as display-data handling and the Play and Stop buttons in software, thereby saving additional external components.
“Our considerable expertise with ARM Cortex-M3 allows us to quickly introduce new products delivering the advantages of power-efficient operation, solid real-time performance, and innovative shared peripherals to an industry-standard core, said Jim Nicholas, STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers Division Manager. With four STM32 families in full production, a new ultra-low-power STM32L MCU platform in development, and more innovations planned, our reliable roadmap enables customers to target established markets as well as emerging opportunities.”
The STM32 Connectivity Line comprises 72MHz microcontrollers to fulfill requirements such as network accessibility, data logging, USB connectivity and peripheral extension, or field upgradeability. These requirements will serve products targeting industrial, medical, appliance, consumer, and building-services markets, such as PLCs, motor controls, patient monitors, motor controls, home audio, security systems, power meters and control panels.
A total of 70 STM32 variants are now in production, delivering pin-and-software compatible devices from 36MHz to 72MHz, with a broad selection of common peripherals to serve diverse applications, eight package options and on-chip Flash density from 16Kbyte to 512Kbyte.