A new generation of economical, energy-conscious microcontrollers (MCUs) named STM32U0 MCUs from STMicroelectronics is stated to cut energy consumption by up to 50% when compared to earlier product generations.
As a result, batteries may be changed less frequently, the environmental impact of abandoned batteries is reduced, and more designs can function entirely on an energy-harvesting device, like a tiny photovoltaic cell, without the need for batteries.
Smart building and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are essential tools for effectively managing energy and resources in the global goal of sustainability.
ST’s microcontrollers interface with high-level cloud applications, govern the processes that gather, filter, analyze, and act, and are at the core of the smart sensors and actuators that enable them. Currently, billions of these STM32U0 MCUs are in use, and billions more will be needed as smart living and working become more widespread.
The New STM32U0 MCUs’ Cutting-Edge Design Methods and Sophisticated Manufacturing Process Combine To Provide:
- Significant improvement in energy efficiency.
- Include exceptional wake-up performance.
- Incredibly low static power consumption in standby mode.
- Allow the MCU to spend more time in power-saving sleep modes and reduce average energy consumption.
Customer’s Using STM32U0 MCUs in Various Applications
The STM32U0 MCUs in today been used in security cameras by a customer from the security systems market. They use it to wake the device when motion is detected, improving surveillance while consuming less energy. Another has produced extremely durable smoke detectors, and Ascoel has developed an additional application that uses the STM32U0 MCUs to control a water meter’s power-sensitive features.
“Ascoel builds a wide range of innovative electronic devices with a focus on IoT technologies. We are working to design an ultrasonic water meter, with battery lasting for more than 10 years, integrating an LCD screen for real-time data, as well as the necessary security,” said Francesco Cerretani, Senior Software Developer, Ascoel. “We found that the STM32U0 was the perfect solution, supporting our goal to create a low-cost, ultra-low-power, easy-to-install, zero maintenance, precise water meter. When deployed at scale in the customer’s grid, it will improve control over water leakage and contribute to reducing the environmental impact.”
Additional Features of the New STM32U0 MCUs
- Cost-effectiveness is improved by the STM32U0’s LCD segment display controller.
- This can be used by LCD-equipped devices, such as Ascoel’s water meter, thermostats, smart retail labels, access-control panels, and factory automation, to lower the cost of their printed circuit board.
- Numerous analog peripherals, such as comparators, operational amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DAC), and analog-to-digital converters (ADC), are additional value-added features of STM32U0 MCUs.
- An on-chip system oscillator reduces the bill of materials to save money and space on the PCB.
- STM32U0 devices are the first MCUs running on Arm®Cortex®-M0+ targeting SESIP Level 3 and PSA level 1 focusing on firmware code protection.
- Certification provides an independent assurance of the STM32U0 security capabilities that product manufacturers can leverage to comply with the coming voluntary US Cyber Trust Mark and mandatory EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
Key Comments
“It’s vital that these pervasive devices consume as little energy as possible as they help to minimize waste elsewhere. The new STM32U0 microcontroller series we are introducing today takes this notion to a new level, building on our proven ultra-low-power technologies,” explained Patrick Aidoune, General Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “In fact, our new MCUs consume so little power that small devices in some dedicated applications like industrial sensor management can run for twice as long from the same size battery. This comes with the opportunity to add more advanced features and deliver cost-effective solutions for a variety of industrial, medical and consumer devices.”
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Developers can also take advantage of up to 256KB of Flash, package options up to 81 pins, and 56MHz core speed, which are generous specifications for this class of device.
Availability and Pricing
The STM32U0 series is in production now and ST is making the new devices available at an attractive price point starting at $0.68 for 1,000 units. Sample requests and further pricing options are available from local ST sales offices.
A marketing presentation for the STM32U0 series is available: https://www.st.com/resource/en/product_presentation/microcontrollers-stm32u0-series-product-overview.pdf.
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