Power-Saving Microcontrollers For IoT

The microcontrollers save power, provide security, and support IoT devices. They run for a long time with little power, making them useful for many devices.

STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor company, has launched the STM32U3 microcontrollers (MCUs) with power-saving features to support connected devices in remote areas.

These MCUs are designed for IoT devices that need long operation with low maintenance and limited power from sources like coin cells, solar, or thermoelectric energy. They are used in utility meters, healthcare devices like glucose meters and insulin pumps, animal care monitors, forest-fire sensors, and industrial sensors like thermostats and smoke detectors. STM32U3 MCUs are also used in consumer products, including smartwatches, wearables, and hearables.

– Advertisement –

The series improves IoT security with hardware protection. These MCUs store secret keys in memory, preventing exposure during CPU operations. Each device is preloaded with attestation credentials at the factory, simplifying provisioning and increasing security.

The series includes security features such as cryptographic accelerators, TrustZone isolation, a random number generator, and lifecycle management. With SESIP3 and PSA Level 3 certifiable assets, these mechanisms help customers comply with RED and CRA regulations.

Some of the key features of the STM32U3 microcontrollers include:

• Uses near-threshold tech for ultra-low voltage, saving energy.
• AI-driven voltage scaling adjusts for chip variations.
• Very low power: 10µA/MHz active, 1.6µA stop mode.
• Up to 1MB Flash (dual-bank) and 256kB SRAM.
• Security from STM32U5 + factory-loaded secret keys with CCB protection.
• Two versions: with or without a hardware crypto accelerator.
• Includes high-performance peripherals like I3C.
• Works in -40°C to 85°C (commercial) and -40°C to 105°C (industrial).

“The STM32U3 series builds on the heritage of ST-established ultra-low-power general-purpose microcontroller class as it is known today, which opened the door to widespread diffusion of smart technology in diverse environments,” commented Patrick Aidoune, General-Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Leveraging innovative techniques such as recent advancements in near-threshold design, the new devices cut dynamic power consumption to the bone, boosting efficiency by a factor of two compared to our previous generation, hence contributing to companies’ sustainability goals.”