New MCUs deploy near-threshold chip design to boost power efficiency
The launch of the ultra low-power STM32U3 series microcontrollers by STMicroelectronics has created new opportunities for IoT device manufacturers to extend the run-time of small batteries without compromising system performance or security.
The new STM32U3 series of microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics implements cutting-edge power-saving innovations which ease the deployment of battery-powered embedded devices, especially in remote locations.
These latest MCUs are aimed at IoT devices that operate for extended periods without maintenance and with the limited energy from a coin cell or ambient solar or thermoelectric source. The MCUs take advantage of innovative techniques such as near-threshold design to cut dynamic power consumption, boosting efficiency by a factor of two compared to the previous STM32U5 series of ultra low-power MCUs from ST.
In addition to extreme energy efficiency, the STM32U3 MCUs, which are based on an Arm® Cortex®-M33 core running at up to 96 MHz, meet the needs of IoT devices by providing robust cybersecurity. For instance, the STM32U385 line can confine secret keys permanently in secure memory, eliminating vulnerable CPU fetches. In addition, attestation credentials for each production unit are provisioned by ST before leaving the factory.
The rich set of security capabilities and assets in the STM32U3 series helps device manufacturers to comply with regulations such as the European Union radio equipment directive and the cybersecurity resilience act.