Secure MCU employs cutting-edge process
23 January 2008
DSP, Micros & Memory
STMicroelectronics has developed a new secure microcontroller (MCU) based on embedded Flash memory, which the company says is the first in the world to be produced using 90 nm process technology. The ST21F384 - the first secure MCU within ST's established ST21 smartcard platform, optimised for 2,5G and 3G mobile communications - uses Flash memory in place of mask ROM for its program memory, to provide increased flexibility and shorter lead times for manufacturers, coupled with increased cost-efficiency from its 90 nm production.
The new ST21F family will enable card manufacturers to react quickly and cost-effectively to the fast changing needs of the mobile market, customising applications late in the production process, at the card personalisation stage, and addressing the requirements of multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) with a single product. Supply chain risk and complexity can be reduced, as the silicon is not linked to a specific operator profile.
The ST21F384 is based on an enhanced 8/16-bit CPU core with 16 MByte linear addressing range, running typically at 21 MHz. It embeds 7 KBytes of user RAM, plus 384 KBytes of Flash memory, with an erase capability similar to that of the EEPROM used in earlier devices in the secure family. Current consumption complies with 2G and 3G specifications to meet the requirements of (U)SIM applications. The microcontroller includes a hardware DES (Data Encryption Standard) accelerator and a user-accessible CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Code) calculation block.
Further reading:
Programmable logic redefined
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s CLB-based PIC MCUs combine programmable logic and embedded control in a single device to help reduce latency, cost, and design complexity.
Read more...
Compact MCU for IoT endpoints
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Quectel’s FCM266D combines single-band 2,4 GHz Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth LE 5.4 in an ultra-compact LCC package measuring just 20 x 18 x 2,4 mm.
Read more...
Industrial-grade ESP32-S3 controller
DSP, Micros & Memory
Erqos Technologies has introduced the EQSP32CE, a CE-certified, industrial-grade ESP32-S3 controller designed for developers who want the flexibility of the ESP32 ecosystem in hardware that can be deployed directly into real-world automation.
Read more...
Next-gen smart module powers intelligence at the edge
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Quectel Wireless Solutions has expanded its smart module portfolio with the SH803FD, a new-generation, high-performance smart module.
Read more...
Advanced sensing powers modern drones
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Allegro MicroSystems has a portfolio of sensors, motor drivers, and power management devices specifically designed to enhance drone efficiency, reliability, and control.
Read more...
Addressing latency and signal integrity challenges
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Strengthening Microchip Technology’s data centre solutions portfolio, its XpressConnect retimers support high-bandwidth architectures, while helping reduce integration complexity.
Read more...
ESP32-S31 for advanced IoT
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
At the heart of the device is a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V MCU operating at up to 320 MHz, delivering 6,86 CoreMark/MHz performance with MMU support for efficient memory management.
Read more...
Cortex-M33 performance for cost-sensitive designs
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32C5 series from STMicroelectronics introduces a new generation of entry-level microcontrollers engineered to deliver enhanced processing capability, modern security, and cost-effective scalability for connected embedded applications.
Read more...
Memory shortage 2026: Engineering implications for South Africa
DSP, Micros & Memory
[Sponsored] Addressing this challenge requires system-level thinking and adoption with McKinsey Electronics providing the engineering and sourcing framework required to maintain system resilience despite ongoing global constraints.
Read more...
Cost-effective microcontroller series
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32C5 series from STMicroelectronics delivers an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and affordability for embedded designs that require more capability without increasing bill of materials cost.
Read more...
printer friendly version