ST rolls development tools for STM32 flash MCU family

STMicroelectronics has announced the STM32 PerformanceStick, a low-cost development package for the recently announced STM32 flash MCU family based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core. This compact tool is designed to provide an easy introduction to the features and capabilities of the new MCU, and in particular to offer a graphical view of its performance characteristics under different conditions. Sample applications and a full Hitex software toolset are included to encourage and enable the designer to modify and recompile application source code.

The STM32 PerformanceStick is self-contained, with a USB host-PC interface, and gives the developer a window into the performance of the STM32, including its execution speed, power consumption, low power mode operation and code density. The included DashBoard GUI allows users to modify the STM32 configuration and to view the effects of their changes while the application is running—a second ST ARM core-based processor in the PerformanceStick provides an information display in real-time.

The STM32 PerformanceStick is also available as part of a starter kit, with an I/O extension board enabling connection to the STM32's peripherals, including USB, CAN, USART and IrDA, for further evaluation.

A complete, unlimited Hitex software tool set, allows the user to modify and recompile the application source code, program the STM32 and debug applications as they run on the PerformanceStick. Software tools include the full version of the Tasking C/C++ compiler for ARM, for building and rebuilding applications, and the HiTOP5 development environment for code editing, device programming and application debugging. Source files for the sample applications are provided free and can be used and adapted for the user's application.

STM32 PerformanceStick is the only development system for the STM32 to be designed around the concept of evaluating the MCU by direct display of its performance information. At a very low cost it provides a complete ready-to-run solution and is a good starting point for designers. The PerformanceStick itself includes an STM32 MCU with ARM Cortex-M3 core running at up to 72MHz, 128Kbytes of flash and 20Kbytes of RAM. It plugs directly into the USB port of a host PC for programming and application debugging.

The STM32 PerformanceStick, part number STM3210B-PFSTICK, is available from stock. The kit includes pre-programmed STM32 and USB connector, software package (HiTop5 IDE, Tasking C/C++ compiler for ARM) for compilation and debugging of user or sample applications. It has a recommended resale price of $59. The PerformanceStick with additional I/O extension board, part number STM3210B-SK/HIT, is priced at $109.