
Embedded Linux processor tap microcontrollers for code, peripherals
STMicroelectronics has launched a new family of Linux microprocessors based on ARM’s Cortex-A core for embedded applications such as displays.
The STM32MP13 single-core MPU family has a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A7 application-processing core, combined with integrated peripherals and power-saving blocks proven in STM32 MCUs.
The STM32MP13 ensures a high level of security for connected assets using cryptographic acceleration with SCA robustness/protection, tamper resistance, secure storage, and ARM TrustZone technology with Trusted Firmware (TF-A and OP-TEE) secure processing environments.
Peripheral features include a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports that ease integration in industrial equipment like programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
The development tools and software are common between the STM32MP13 and STM32MP15 and include the fully mainlined OpenSTLinux Distribution with Linux board support package (BSP), drivers, secure bootchain supported by secure manufacturing, and popular application frameworks.
The OpenSTLinux Distribution ensures seamless software migration and scalability and can be extended with Linux real time capabilities using the new X–LINUX-RT expansion package, available for all STM32MP13 and STM32MP15 devices.
In addition to bridging the embedded MCU and application-processor worlds, the STM32MP13 MPUs are built around a comprehensive set of tools from the strong MCU ecosystem. The STM32MP13 is well suited to use with the Qt graphics framework for fast and responsive development of sophisticated user interfaces. Users can take advantage of powerful tools, optimized libraries, and easy porting of code from STM32 MCU projects.
- ST shares its in-house STM32 code on GitHub
- Secure Manager simplifies embedded designs on ST microcontrollers
“The new SMT32MP13 strengthens Qt’s support for cost-efficient MPUs, especially in industrial and security-related use cases. By using Qt’s cross-platform development and testing tools and deploying the applications on ST’s MCUs and MPUs, development teams can significantly improve their productivity”, said Marko Kaasila, Senior Vice President, Product Management at Qt Group.
“The approach is exceptionally scalable, as Qt allows teams to create consistent user experiences across devices, from MCUs to MPUs, with the same codebase.”
While gaining the extra processing performance of an MPU, combined with the flexible power management, real-time OS (RTOS) support, and integrated security features and peripherals typically provided by embedded MCUs, developers using the STM32MP13 have access to a large selection of package options that help optimize cost and flexibility, and allow low-cost PCB designs down to four layers without costly laser vias and ST provides PCB layout examples.
The STPMIC1 dedicated power-management ICs (PMIC) for STM32 MPUs help developers optimize power consumption to achieve superior energy ratings and maximize the runtime of battery-powered applications.
“Our STM32MP13 single-core MPUs deliver a perfect balance of power consumption, price, and increased capability for applications that demand performance above that of typical high-end embedded microcontrollers,” said Ricardo De Sa Earp, Executive Vice-President General-Purpose Microcontrollers Sub-Group, STMicroelectronics.
“With their state-of-the-art security features, these devices accelerate end-product certification according to today’s leading standards including SESIP Level 3 and Payment Card Industry (PCI) PTS/POI 6.0 specifications.”
As a lead customer for ST’s STM32 MPUs, HID is incorporating the STM32MP13 into a new critical design for one of its key access control products.
“Key advantages we recognize in this new offering include its performance, power and efficiency, its ability to enable all possible powerful cybersecurity attributes and functions such as its crypto engine and secure boot, and its ability to meet some of our demanding peripheral requirements,” said Damon Dageenakis, PACS Director for Access Control Devices at HID.
The STM32MP13 MPUs include the STM32MP131, STM32MP133, and STM32MP135. They are in full production, priced from $3.16 for orders of 10,000 pieces. Other pricing options are available. Samples and Boards are available through distribution.
www.st.com/en/microcontrollers
