REVIEW set micro-network reported that from 2007 to the first one STM32F103 begin, let STM32 family of 12 years of development has become the most successful new century MCU series. The introduction of multi-core, peripheral expansion, STM32 self-upgrade has not stop. Now, the introduction of heterogeneous cores will soon become history STM32 development has an important node, the new MPU will be hatched on the basis of the MCU.
The latest member of the STM32 family is the integration of the Cortex-A and Cortex-M core STM32MP1 two different microprocessor family.
ARM Cortex-M processor is a dedicated MCU core, Cortex-A processor core is the application, and now the phone Apple A series, Qualcomm Xiaolong, Huawei Kirin processors are based on Cortex-A architecture. Introducing them to the MCU Cortex-A, that is, among the heterogeneous computing is introduced to the MCU.
"MPU is actually very complex, long-term thinking + to go through the verification, to finally mature and the market, this product took a full five years." STMicroelectronics STM32 Microcontroller Division microprocessor product marketing manager Sylvain RAYNAUD He said this.
· MCU introducing heterogeneous cores, and work to transform MPUMCU Linux kernel · introducing heterogeneous, join Linux turned MPU
STMicroelectronics STM32 Microcontroller Division microprocessor product marketing manager Sylvain RAYNAUD
STM32MP1 two integrated series microprocessor clocked at 650MHz Arm Cortex-A7 of the application processor core and a high-performance operating frequency Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller core of 209MHz. Meanwhile, STM32MP1 also embedded in the GPU, in order to support the human-machine interface display.
· MCU introducing heterogeneous cores, and work to transform MPUMCU Linux kernel · introducing heterogeneous, join Linux turned MPU
This triple-core clear division of labor, A7 cores running Linux, with the GPU responsible for the display function, M4 core is performed traditional control functions. Communicate through the unique triple-core IPCC mechanism and is equipped with encryption, "they communicate in ways mailbox, and then communicate the data will be stored in SRAM inside." Sylvain RAYNAUD explained.
To prevent the MPU system performance bottleneck and bandwidth issues, STM32MP1 support affordable DDR SDRAM memory, including DDR3, DDR3L, LPDDR2,533MHz of 32/16 LPDDR3. In addition, STM32MP1 also supports a variety of flash memory products: eMMC, SD card, SLC NAND, SPI NAND and Quad-SPI NOR flash memory.
Architecturally, STM32MP1 is both flexible and can be optimized to achieve energy efficiency. In the full speed mode, the dual-core Cortex-A7 + 3D GPU is fully open, which processor speed 2470DMIPS, processing speed Cortex-M4 portion there 260DMIPS. In the low power mode, Cortex-A7 into standby mode, operating only Cortex-M4, the power consumption is 1/4 of the normal mode. If you want to enter completely in standby mode, power consumption is only 1/2500 the previous model.
Back from standby mode running at full speed, STM32MP1's performance is excellent. Linux will be able to return to its only interface 1s, 3s to be back in the 3D graphics application interface.
It is also critical, STM32MP1 with a rich set of peripherals can decide to allocate to A7 or by using the M4 online. These peripherals can include USB2.0, Gigabit Ethernet GMAC, CAN FD, and a plurality of standard IC, UART and SPI interface, a series of simulation peripherals.
Because of the complexity of the lifting, ST also designed STM32MP1 dedicated power management IC (PMIC) STPMIC1. Which integrates four DC / DC buck converter, 6 LDO regulator, a DC / DC boost converter, and general and USB VBUS power switch, provides for the other components of the circuit board and STM32MP1 required voltage rails.
The introduction of the new kernel, expand the application space for the STM32. Sylvain RAYNAUD concluded:. "For customers previously used microprocessor + MCU applications, STM32MP1 a single chip can achieve this function; and before the client is using the MPU, you can do MCU applications with STM32MP1"
Hand in hand Linux, backed by mature eco
introduction of Cortex-A7 cores, also introduced a Linux system for developers. In order to accelerate the speed of project development, ST announced a major open-source Linux distribution OpenSTLinux Distribution. OpenSTLinux has passed the approval Linux Foundation, Yoctoproject, Linaro and other Linux community. This release contains all the essential components on the application processor cores required to run the software.
· MCU introducing heterogeneous cores, and work to transform MPUMCU Linux kernel · introducing heterogeneous, join Linux turned MPU
"When support the entire Linux open source, we are fully compatible with standard open-source software, including the Linux Foundation and Yocto Project." Sylvain RAYNAUD said, "because Linux open source is very large, the customer is not a good choice. For this reason, ST in Yocto establishment of a Project, so that customers can use this simple and stable development kit. "
Meanwhile, STM32MP1 also comes with a secure operating system OP-TEE. "If customers find themselves also need to pay security applications, ST has helped customers solve this problem, let the free use of encryption OS." Sylvain RAYNAUD explains why.
Cortex-A7 in the end, there may be used OpenSTLinux, Cortex-M4 in the terminal, the tool can be used before STM32Cube. According to Sylvain RAYNAUD introduction, STM32Cube there are a lot of customer support reference code, drivers, including the peripherals to access a lot to do with the API, there are a variety of middleware. All these are ST quality assurance software development kit, with very friendly commercial terms, allows customers to use very convenient.
In the hardware development tools, ST offers three boards: a full-featured board, explore plate (only basic peripherals) and third-party prototype board / board production level. The three sets of boards in the STM32 Lynx flagship stores.
To support users to develop, ST also arranged worldwide super third-party platform, the main support for GUI, encryption and training in this section. In addition, ST has also established a dedicated wiki site for customer support STM32MP1 do Linux-related development.
· MCU introducing heterogeneous cores, and work to transform MPUMCU Linux kernel · introducing heterogeneous, join Linux turned MPU
STM32MP1 born not long time, has formed a complete product line. Currently, STM32MP1 has three product lines: 157,153,151. Wherein 151 is equipped with Cortex-A7 + Cortex M4; 153 on the basis of an increase of CAN FD and binuclear Cortex A7; 157 is the highest in the series current performance, dual-core Arm Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 + 3D GPU, other support DSI and CAN FD.
Using heterogeneous architecture, STM32 is a response to a large increase in demand for interactive initiatives. As for future product planning, Sylvain RAYNAUD said: "The future of the series will develop in parallel in two directions: high-performance, secure, and cost-optimized power consumption of those potential scenarios, such as industrial, consumer electronics, medical care and intelligence. home, STM32MP1 can be the perfect support. "
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