STMicroelectronics brings great graphics to tiny tech with latest energy-saving STM32 microcontrollers

STMicroelectronics has introduced new STM32* microcontrollers (MCUs) with a dedicated graphics accelerator to let small and cost-sensitive products deliver more powerful user experiences. With a vast 3MB of dynamic storage (SRAM) on-chip, the ultra-low-power STM32U5F9/G9 and STM32U5F7/G7 MCUs can store multiple frame buffers for a graphics display to save external memory ICs. They also contain ST’s NeoChromVG graphics processor (GPU) to handle graphical effects usually associated with more expensive, high-end microprocessor-based (MPU) products.

With NeoChromVG built-in, these are the first STM32 MCUs with hardware-accelerated vector operations, useful for rendering SVGs and Vector fonts. The dedicated GPU also enables high-end effects such as rotation, alpha blending, and texture mapping with accurate perspective.

In addition, the MCUs have a JPEG codec that handles MJPEG movies. These capabilities let product developers use techniques like animated logos, multiple font sizes, zoomable maps, and video playback in smart appliances, smart home controllers, e-bikes, and industrial terminals. It means consumers can look forward to new generations of products that are more attractive and interesting, as well as being easier to understand and use.

The advanced integration and large RAM density lets designers build a high-performing graphics subsystem without external memory ICs, saving PCB space and eliminating high-speed off-chip signaling. The 4MB of Flash also on-chip, in addition to the 3MB of SRAM, provides plentiful non-volatile storage for code and data.

Integrating all circuitry inside the MCUs’ low-cost 100-pin quad-flat package allows a simple 4-layer PCB design to avoid the usual challenges associated with signal routing and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). ST has demonstrated this approach in the STM32U5G9J-DK2 graphic development kits dedicated to these MCUs, which developers can use as a hardware reference design to accelerate time to market.

Riverdi, an ST Authorized Partner, has already used the STM32U5F9/G9 MCUs to create new products that feature advanced graphics. “By combining premium graphics capabilities with single-chip economies, the latest STM32 MCUs have enabled us to market a 5-inch display module with an attractive price, presenting a professional all-in-one display solution for product manufacturers to build great-looking custom user interfaces for their own designs,” said Kamil Kozłowski, Co-CEO of Riverdi. “Our new STM32U5F9/G9 based embedded display is fully supported in ST’s TouchGFX GUI design framework, which allows our customers to start developing their own UI immediately after unpacking their new display.”

Joining the STM32U5 ultra-low-power product line, built with the advanced and efficient Arm^® Cortex^®-M33 core, the new MCUs perform up to 240 DMIPS at 160MHz and 464 ULPMark-CoreProfile (CP) . The 200nA standby mode, multiple stop modes with partial RAM retention and fast wake-up, and efficient operation at 16µA/MHz in run mode enhance flexibility to optimize power saving and performance.

Developers can also take advantage of proven STM32 peripherals and IoT hardware-security features, as well as the STM23Cube ecosystem that includes software tools, middleware, libraries, and code examples.

The STM32U5F9/G9 and STM32U5F7/G7 are available now from $8.58 in the 100-pin LQFP package, for orders of 10,000 pieces. The STM32U5G9J-DK1/2 graphic development kits start at $89.

*STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

ULPMark-CP: the EEMBC® energy-performance benchmark for ultra-low-power MCUs (https://www.eembc.org/ulpmark/ulp-cp/). With a score of 464, the STM32U5 graphics MCUs are among the top seven of tested devices from all manufacturers (https://www.eembc.org/ulpmark/ulp-cp/scores.php).