ST introduces the STM32F3 microcontroller with flash memory capacity up to 512KB

     ST's STM32F3 series of microcontrollers is a new addition to meet market demands for high performance, innovative features and affordability. The new microcontroller's on-chip storage capacity is increased to 512KB of Flash memory (Flash) and 80KB of static random access memory (SRAM), and it integrates a wealth of peripheral interfaces, including a motor high speed controller and off-chip memory interface.

     The STM32F3 series is the entry level of ST's ARM® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller portfolio. The market-proven M4 processor core supports DSP instructions, has a built-in floating-point unit (FPU), runs at up to 72MHz, and when combined with ST's unique CCM-SRAM based Routine Booster feature, Routine procedures such as motor control are performed 43% faster than before. The STM32F3 series is part of the STM32 family of more than 600 products and performs better than the STM32F1 Cortex-M3 series. The hardware and software of the STM32 family of products share broad commonalities and provide an easy-to-use design tool and development ecosystem.

     Now the STM32F303 and STM32F302 products have added 512KB of flash memory, enabling the F3 series to support more complex applications. New on-chip integration features include additional SPI and I2C communication interfaces, and an integrated 36MHz Flexible Memory Controller (FMC) on an 8/16-bit bus for connecting various off-chip memory and LCD modules. Up to three 144MHz 16-bit motor control timers are available on the chip to control multiple motors in appliances, power tools and industrial equipment. In addition, ST's new STM32 Motor Development Ecosystem includes software development tools (STSW-STM32100) and a new hardware circuit board to further improve the speed and ease of development of motor control applications.

     These enhancements further enrich the existing peripheral features of the STM32F3 series. Existing features include 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), Each ADC has a class-leading 5Msample/s sampling rate, a true 16-bit Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter, a fast comparator (25ns), and a built-in complex Waveform generator Builder's flexible high resolution timer (217ps) and unlimited Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA). The new products are available in LQFP, BGA or WLCSP packages with pin numbers ranging from 32 to 144.

     The new product comes with two different hardware evaluation boards: the NUCLEO-F303RE evaluation board is equipped with a 64-pin microcontroller for rapid prototype and sample development; The STM32303E-EVAL evaluation board is equipped with a 100-pin microcontroller and is suitable for evaluating microcontroller functions. The new product also offers complete embedded software, including not only peripheral driver software, but also firmware library and protocol stack (CubeF3). The accompanying software tool STM32CubeMX simplifies the configuration and alignment of microcontrollers, ensuring a simpler and faster development process.