ST announces general purpose MPUs for high temperatures

STMicroelectronics has recently unveiled the mass-market availability of the new STM32MP23 general-purpose microprocessors (MPUs), designed to operate at high temperatures up to 125°C while harnessing the power and efficiency of dual Arm Cortex-A35 cores. These MPUs are tailored to deliver exceptional performance and durability for a wide range of applications, including industrial and Internet-of-Things (IoT) edge computing, advanced human-machine interfaces (HMI), and machine-learning tasks. Building on the success of the STM32MP25 series introduced in 2024, the STM32MP23 MPUs boast dual 1.5 GHz Arm Cortex-A35 cores, a 400 MHz Cortex-M33 for real-time operations, and a neural network accelerator capable of 0.6 TOPS performance.

Moreover, the STM32MP23 MPUs come equipped with a host of features such as a 3D graphics processor, H.264 decoder, MIPI CSI-2 camera interface supporting raw data, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports with time-sensitive networking (TSN) capabilities, and two CAN-FD interfaces. These integrated resources and optimized functionalities enhance sensing, processing, and data management in smart factories, cities, and homes. The neural engine enables AI and machine learning applications for intuitive HMIs, vision-based interactions, and predictive maintenance, while the H.264 decoder supports 1080p60 video playback and the 3D GPU delivers real-time graphics compatible with frameworks like OpenGL, OpenCL, and Vulkan.

Targeting connected applications, the STM32MP23 series is designed to meet SESIP3 and PSA Level 3 certifications, with security features including secure boot, Arm TrustZone architecture, secure key storage, and tamper detection supported by hardware cryptographic accelerators. STMicroelectronics is extending its support for each release of the OpenSTLinux distribution from two years to five years, ensuring stability for customers during development and providing access to the latest security patches to comply with regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The commitment to mainlining OpenSTLinux enables developers to work seamlessly with popular frameworks like Yocto, Buildroot, OpenWRT, and OpenSTDroid.

For developers looking to evaluate the STM32MP23x, STMicroelectronics offers the STM32MP257 discovery kit, paired with dedicated STM32 MPU embedded software tailored for the STM32MP23x configuration. The STM32MP23 MPUs are available in BGA package options with a choice of high-density 0.5-mm and 0.8-mm interconnect pitch, allowing for simplified 4-layer PCB designs with plated-through holes. These packages are pin-to-pin compatible with STM32MP25 MPUs and support a maximum junction temperature range of -40°C to 125°C, ensuring reliable performance in various operating conditions.

In conclusion, the introduction of the STM32MP23 MPUs by STMicroelectronics represents a significant advancement in the field of general-purpose microprocessors, offering a compelling combination of high-temperature operation, dual Arm Cortex-A35 cores, and a comprehensive set of features tailored for industrial, IoT, and machine-learning applications. With a focus on performance, durability, and security, the STM32MP23 series is poised to empower developers and engineers in creating innovative solutions for smart factories, cities, and connected environments, while also providing long-term support and compatibility with industry-standard frameworks to streamline development processes and ensure compliance with evolving cybersecurity requirements.