Ultra low-power MCUs based on high-performance ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit RISC core

Based on the high-performance ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit RISC core, operating at frequencies up to 80MHz, the STMicroelectronics STM32L486xx series of ultra low-power microcontrollers is now available from Farnell element14. The Cortex-M4 core features a single-precision floating point unit (FPU), which supports all ARM single-precision data-processing instructions and data types. It also implements a full set of DSP instructions and a memory protection unit (MPU) that enhances application security. The STM32L486xx devices embed high-speed memories (1 Mbyte of Flash memory, 128 Kbyte of SRAM), a flexible external memory controller (FSMC) for static memories (for devices with packages of 100 pins and more), a Quad SPI flash memories interface (available on all packages) and an extensive range of enhanced I/Os and peripherals connected to two APB buses, two AHB buses and a 32-bit multi-AHB bus matrix. They also embed protection mechanisms for embedded Flash memory and SRAM. These include readout protection, write protection, proprietary code readout protection and Firewall. Up to three fast 12-bit ADCs (5Msps), two comparators, two operational amplifiers, two DAC channels, an internal voltage reference buffer, a low-power RTC, two general-purpose 32-bit timer, two 16-bit PWM timers dedicated to motor control, seven general-purpose 16-bit timers, and two 16-bit low-power timers are also included in the devices. The devices support four digital filters for external sigma-delta modulators (DFSDM). In addition, up to 24 capacitive sensing channels are available, along with an integrated LCD driver 8 x 40 or 4 x 44, featuring an internal step-up converter. The MCUs also feature standard and advanced communication interfaces.