ST Challenges 8bit MCUs with 32bit MCUs

ST Boosts Flash and Adds USB Controller to its Entry-Level 32bit STM32C0 Series

ST is making a strong push to displace 8bit MCUs with its entry-level 32bit STM32C0 series by increasing the flash memory to 128kbyte and introducing a USB controller. The new devices, known as STM32C071, are expected to be available by mid-2024, with the STM32C091 models featuring 256kbyte flash set to sample later that year.

However, ST is not abandoning its 8bit MCUs. "ST remains dedicated to its STM8 series," the company stated. "Some companies require the eeprom available in our 8bit MCUs, while others rely on the AEC-Q10x automotive qualification of certain devices."

The smallest 32C0 currently offers 16kbyte flash and 6kbyte ram, but the upcoming STM32C071 will provide 24kbyte of ram alongside its 128kbyte of flash. "Products that previously had to use more expensive devices due to memory limitations can now be targeted at entry-level markets," explained ST. "Additionally, since we anticipate many of these systems to utilize USB for power delivery, we have added a crystal-less USB controller."

The new series will also include interfaces for SPI and I2C, as well as a 32bit timer. The pin-out similarities with the higher-level STM32G0 series will be retained, ensuring compatibility and ease of migration for developers.

The processor used in the STM32C0 series remains the same: a 48MHz Arm Cortex-M0+ that achieves a score of 114 in the EEMBC CoreMark benchmark.

The STM32C0 MCUs will be available in various package options, including the compact 3 x 3mm 20pad QFN or WLCSP12. Mass quantities of STM32C0 devices are already available in packages such as SO8N, TSSOP20, LQFP32, and LQFP48.