8-bit MCUs for industrial applications
3 September 2008
DSP, Micros & Memory
STMicroelectronics has added new 8-bit MCUs using its next-generation STM8 core, by introducing the STM8S family specified for the industrial temperature range. The new MCUs combine the core’s high speed, performance and code efficiency with versatile peripherals, including a number of specific features for robustness and reliability. Integrated memory, including true EEPROM, simplifies emulation.
The 8-bit STM8 core has a 32-bit memory interface and three-stage pipeline, achieving 20 MIPS peak processing performance at 24 MHz. A stack pointer and 16-bit index registers enhance manipulation of tables, and the core’s 16 MBytes of linear memory address space streamlines paging operations above 64 KBytes. In addition, improvements to stack-pointer operations, supplemental addressing modes and new instructions boost support for C programming and realtime performance to increase code density and processor efficiency.
Alongside the advantages of the STM8 core, the STM8S family includes large on-chip Flash memory with variants from 4 KBytes to 128 KBytes. The integrated EEPROM delivers performance comparable to external EEPROM, with realtime read-while-write capability and minimum 300 000 write-cycle durability.
Developers using the STM8S family can take advantage of software and package-in-package compatibility within the family, as well as peripheral compatibility throughout ST’s MCU families, including the 32-bit STM32 series.
In addition to specific features for reliability and robustness, such as dual independent watchdogs, a clock security system, complementary copy of configuration option bytes, and EMS reset, the STM8S family also includes in-application programming and in-circuit programming, as well as single-wire debug using an advanced incircuit-debugging module. In addition, four low-power modes help developers implement responsive power management schemes in applications such as home appliances and personal-care equipment, battery-operated devices, power tools, HVAC equipment, motor controllers and circuit breakers. The supply voltage range from 3,0 V to 5,5 V also simplifies development and eases upgrading of legacy designs.
The STM8S development environment supports high-end emulators that include complex functions such as code profiling and coverage, as well as low-cost debugging tools offering free IDEs and free 16 KByte versions of C compilers. Numerous reference examples in firmware, together with a dedicated library compliant to class B of the IEC60335 standard, are included to help developers meet the certification process for new safety regulations.
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