High-performance MCUs integrate advanced graphics and security capabilities
The STMicroelectronics STM32H7R3/7S3 series of MCUs, based on a high-speed Arm® Cortex®-M7 core, provide sufficiently high performance that the MCUs can be used in some applications that would otherwise require a microprocessor.
STMicroelectronics has introduced the high-performance STM32H7R3/7S3 line of 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 STM32H7R3/7S3 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.
These new members of the STM32H7 family of MCUs adopt an architecture which embeds bootflash memory and 620 kbytes of 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 STM32CubeH7RS 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 requirements of the application. Code can either be executed from external memory, or loaded into the 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 mode, ensuring seamless application execution.
At the heart of the STM32H7R3/7S3 MCUs is an Arm Cortex-M7 core operating at up to 600 MHz to support the execution of demanding application code. Alongside the CPU, ST has integrated advanced graphics capabilities:
- NeoChrom graphics processor for accelerating any angle rotation, scaling, and perspective-aware texture mapping
- Chrom-ART Accelerator for enhanced graphic content creation
- Hardware JPEG codec
- LCD-TFT controller supporting up to SVGA resolution
- Flexible memory controller for parallel displays supporting resolution up to WSVGA
- Digital camera parallel interface with pixel format conversion and cropping capabilities
These features mean that the STM32H7R3/7S3 can handle vibrant and colorful high-definition user interfaces that would be too taxing for smaller MCUs. Running the UI uses only about 10% of the CPU’s bandwidth, enabling appliances to deliver smartphone-like user experiences while also running demanding applications such as artificial intelligence, communication, and real-time control.
The STM32H7R3 and STM32H7S3 are already supported in the ST TouchGFX GUI development framework, which enables developers to create imaginative effects with smooth and fluid graphics and animations.
Both MCU lines also provide robust security features, including protection against physical attacks, memory protection, code isolation to protect the application at runtime, and platform authentication.
The MCUs also feature 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.