MCU features crypto accelerator and on-board keys to enhance security of connected devices
Dual-core STM32H757 MCU from STMicroelectronics sets new benchmarks for performance from embedded Flash memory. A graphics accelerator is a powerful feature in sophisticated human-machine interfaces.
The STMicroelectronics STM32H757 is a high-performance dual-core microcontroller which offers valuable power-saving features and enhanced cyber protection.
The STM32H757 MCU includes dual Arm® Cortex®-M7 and Cortex-M4 cores which run at up to 480 MHz and 240 MHz respectively. To maximize energy efficiency, each core operates in its own power domain and can be turned off individually when not needed.
For applications that call for enhanced security, the STM32H757 includes a cryptography/hash accelerator. It comes with pre-installed keys and native secure services including Secure Firmware Install (SFI). SFI allows standard products to be ordered anywhere in the world and have the encrypted firmware delivered to an external programming company without exposing unencrypted code. In addition, built-in support for secure boot and secure firmware update protects over-the-air feature upgrades and patches.
Performance is another strong suit of the STM32H757. Benefiting from ST’s smart architecture, efficient L1 cache, and adaptive real-time ART Accelerator™ engine, the MCU sets a new speed record of up to 1,327 DMIPS, and a 3,224 CoreMark™ score for some parts when executing from embedded Flash. ST’s Chrom-ART Accelerator™ block provides an extra speed boost in graphics applications.
Developers can easily upgrade existing applications through flexible use of the two cores. A sophisticated user interface can be added to an application such as a motor drive formerly hosted on a single-core Cortex-M4 MCU by migrating legacy code to the STM32H757 Cortex-M4 core, with the new GUI running on the Cortex-M7 core. Another example is to boost application performance by offloading intensive workloads such as neural networks, checksums, DSP filtering, or audio codecs.
The dual-core architecture also helps to simplify code development and accelerate time to market in projects in which user-interface code may be developed separately from real-time control or communications features.