Free self-test software for MCU family
28 May 2008
DSP, Micros & Memory
STMicroelectronics has announced a new software library for the recently-announced STM32 Flash microcontroller (MCU) family - which is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core - designed specifically to simplify the testing and securing of end-product approval and compliance with the demands of the IEC 60335-1 standard, when the MCU is used in household appliances. This standard requires the software of MCU-based appliances to be evaluated according to its impact on overall consumer and application safety. When some of the fault detection relies on the MCU, the embedded code must contain self-test routines, and must be evaluated under the so-called Class B requirements for its ability to detect safety critical failures.
The new self-diagnostic software modules developed by ST for the STM32 family have been approved by the VDE (German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) testing and certification institute, which is recognised globally for its efforts. Now, when a manufacturer uses these modules in an application - unchanged and in accordance with ST's integration guidelines - the application will not need to be completely re-evaluated as part of the final product certification, thereby saving significant time for the appliance manufacturer.
The software library, with associated documentation, is available free of charge. It includes a complete safe-boot sequence, plus self-diagnostic modules for the CPU, non-volatile memory, RAM and the clock frequency. Transparent RAM tests are also carried out during run-time. In addition, the STM32 embeds safety-related hardware, including dual internal watchdogs and fail-safe clock circuitry, which simplifies certification by reducing the number of self-test routines actually required and decreasing the software overhead.
Further reading:
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...
Battery-friendly Thread and BLE solution
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Positioned as an incremental upgrade to the ESP32-H2, Espressif’s ESP32-H21 adds an integrated DC-DC converter that reduces active current draw and helps extend battery life in power-sensitive consumer and industrial devices.
Read more...
Next generation HMI processing platform
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s latest hybrid MCU SiP integrates an Arm926EJ-S processor with 512 Mb of DDR2 SDRAM and is engineered to meet the rising demand for sophisticated HMI solutions in modern vehicles.
Read more...
Low-power SoC for IoT designs
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Espressif’s ESP32-H4 is a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V SoC designed for battery-powered wireless products that require low energy consumption, strong security, and modern connectivity.
Read more...
Chip for high-density power
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s dsPIC33AK256MPS306 Digital Signal Controllers combine high-resolution control, high-speed analogue, and security with support for post-quantum cryptography.
Read more...
The end of ‘entry-level’: STMicroelectronics’ STM32C5 sets a new baseline for embedded systems
DSP, Micros & Memory
[Sponsored] Instead of incrementally improving legacy Cortex-M0+ architectures, STM32C5 introduces a Cortex-M33-based platform into the entry-level category. This changes not only performance expectations, but also how engineers approach system architecture, consolidation, and long-term scalability.
Read more...
GigaDevice expands GD25UF Series density
NuVision Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
GigaDevice has announced the expanded density range of its GD25UF series 1,2 V ultra-low power SPI NOR Flash, now spanning from 8 Mb to 256 Mb.
Read more...
ARINC 429 line driver evaluation board
ASIC Design Services
DSP, Micros & Memory
Holt Integrated Circuits have announced the release of the ADK-85104 Evaluation Board, a compact, ready-to-use platform designed to help engineers rapidly evaluate and characterise Holt’s HI-85104.
Read more...
Highly integrated 24-channel mixed signal IC
EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology has announced the LX4580, a 24-channel mixed-signal IC designed to replace multiple discrete components with a single device that supports synchronised data acquisition, fault monitoring, and motor control.
Read more...
Lower-power Thread and BLE connectivity
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Espressif has released the ESP32-H21, a low-power wireless SoC aimed at Thread, Matter, Zigbee, and Bluetooth LE device designs.
Read more...
printer friendly version