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In this article, let's explore the STM32U5 series - the latest generation of 32-bit microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics that redefine ultra-low-power performance, advanced security, and processing efficiency. Throughout this post, we will examine how the STM32U5 achieves remarkable energy savings, extended battery life, enhanced security, and broad ecosystem support, making it a top choice for anyone seeking both performance and efficiency in embedded design.
The STM32U5 series from STMicroelectronics is a powerful line of 32-bit microcontrollers built around the Arm® Cortex®-M33 core. It combines high performance, advanced security, and ultra-low-power efficiency to meet the needs of modern embedded designs. Ideal for wearables, personal medical devices, smart home systems, and industrial sensors, the STM32U5 delivers reliable computing power while keeping energy use remarkably low. With up to 2 MB of dual-bank Flash memory, 786 KB of SRAM, and support for temperatures up to 125°C, it offers the flexibility engineers need for complex applications in compact designs.
Power efficiency is a defining strength of the STM32U5. It achieves leading energy benchmarks—535 ULPMark-CP, 149 ULPMark-PP, and 133,000 SecureMark-TLS—thanks to its Low Power Background Autonomous Mode (LPBAM), which allows peripherals and DMA to function even in stop mode. Consumption drops as low as 110 nA in shutdown, 300 nA in standby, and 1.7 µA in stop mode 3. Security is equally advanced, featuring Arm TrustZone®, AES encryption, and a Public Key Accelerator (PKA) resistant to side-channel attacks. Certified to PSA and SESIP Level 3, the STM32U5 also includes Hardware Unique Key (HUK) storage and active tamper detection, ensuring strong protection for connected, battery-powered devices.
The STM32U5 brings a new feature that helps greatly reduce power use in electronic devices. This feature is called Low-Power Background Autonomous Mode (LPBAM), and it changes how power is managed in microcontrollers. With LPBAM, the STM32U5 can let its parts work on their own even when the main processor is asleep. This means that important parts like I²C, SPI, UART, ADC, DAC, voice detection, timers, and input/output pins can keep doing their jobs without waking up the main core.
Normally, microcontrollers switch between active and low-power modes to save energy. But with LPBAM, the STM32U5 can stay in Stop mode while still running certain tasks. It uses direct memory access (DMA) and low-power timers to move data and trigger actions without the main processor’s help. When the work is done, the system sends a wake-on-complete signal to let the processor know it can safely return to normal mode only when needed.
This smart design helps the STM32U5 save a lot of power. Because the peripherals can run without using software or the CPU, some functions can use up to 10 times less power than before. This makes it perfect for projects that need to run a long time on batteries.
With LPBAM, developers can make devices that are both powerful and energy-saving. The STM32U5 is a great choice for battery-powered products and IoT devices that need to work efficiently for long periods while keeping energy use very low.
The STM32U5 series delivers outstanding power efficiency, offering multiple low-power modes that help extend battery life while maintaining high performance. It improves upon the previous STM32L series by giving developers greater flexibility and control over memory and peripheral management during low-power operation.
Along with traditional standby and shutdown options, the STM32U5 introduces a new Stop 3 mode that significantly lowers power use while keeping peripheral states active. This mode minimizes the number of wake-up inputs needed, allowing the system to remain efficient and stable for longer periods. Developers can also fine-tune how SRAM is retained in low-power mode, ensuring optimal use of energy for essential functions only.
The STM32U5 achieves impressive power results across its modes. It consumes just 200 nA in standby, 1.4 µA in Stop 3 mode with 16 KB of SRAM, and 4.6 µA in Stop 2 mode with 274 KB of SRAM retained. Even in active mode, it maintains excellent efficiency at 16.3 µA per MHz. These numbers show how the STM32U5 balances high performance with extremely low energy use, setting a new benchmark for energy-saving microcontrollers.
Independent results from EEMBC ULPBench confirm the STM32U5’s best-in-class performance. Its wide range of power modes, fast wake-up times, and optimized energy control make it an ideal solution for developers building modern, long-lasting, and battery-powered devices.
The STM32U5 offers exceptional performance and energy efficiency, setting a new benchmark for ultra-low-power microcontrollers. Built on advanced 40nm technology, it uses the Arm Cortex-M33 core running at 160 MHz, delivering up to 240 DMIPS or 651 CoreMark. This allows the STM32U5 to handle demanding applications while maintaining low power consumption.
One of its key advantages is that it eliminates the need to choose between speed and efficiency. The STM32U5 combines high computing power with optimized energy management, making it ideal for applications that require both performance and long battery life.
The MCU also includes built-in mathematics accelerators such as FMAC and Cordic, which handle complex calculations faster and more accurately. These accelerators improve real-time processing for tasks like digital filtering, motor control, and signal analysis, allowing developers to achieve higher precision with less processing effort.
To further enhance speed, the STM32U5 integrates an ART Accelerator, which boosts access to both internal and external memory. This feature ensures faster data handling and smoother program execution, resulting in a more responsive and efficient system.
With its powerful core, advanced accelerators, and energy-optimized design, the STM32U5 delivers high performance without sacrificing battery life. It is the perfect choice for engineers building next-generation embedded systems that demand both power and efficiency.
The STM32U5 is the new flagship of the STM32 ultra-low-power (ULP) series, combining exceptional power efficiency with high performance. Built on advanced 40nm technology, it delivers outstanding processing capability while maintaining extremely low energy consumption.
Powered by the Arm Cortex-M33 core running at up to 160 MHz, the STM32U5 achieves impressive computing performance with 535 DMIPS, positioning it as one of the most powerful MCUs in the ULP category. This allows developers to design applications that require both strong performance and long battery life without compromise.
The STM32U5 also provides flexibility through a wide selection of memory sizes, packages, and performance levels. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications such as wearable technology, IoT devices, healthcare systems, and industrial sensors. Developers can easily choose configurations that best fit their design needs while benefiting from the same energy-efficient architecture.
The STM32U5 offers a high level of integration, combining powerful digital and analog peripherals with advanced hardware accelerators in one efficient platform. It is designed for developers who need reliable performance, flexibility, and low power consumption in their embedded systems.
Powered by an Arm Cortex-M33 core running at 160 MHz, the STM32U5 includes several key accelerators such as DMA, FMAC, CORDIC, and the ART Accelerator. These components enhance computing speed for math operations, data processing, and signal control. The Chrom-ART Accelerator further improves performance by handling graphic tasks efficiently, making it ideal for applications that require smooth user interfaces or visual rendering.
The STM32U5 also integrates a wide range of digital and analog peripherals, including multiple timers, ADCs, DACs, comparators, and various communication interfaces like USB, SPI, I²C, CAN, and UART. This comprehensive connectivity allows developers to build complex systems with fewer external components while maintaining fast and stable operation.
To support demanding applications, the STM32U5 features up to 2 MB of Flash memory and 786 KB of SRAM. This large embedded memory capacity enables faster program execution, efficient data handling, and enhanced system responsiveness.
The STM32U5 sets a new standard for microcontroller security with advanced protection features designed to safeguard data, firmware, and hardware. It is the first MCU certified for PSA Level 3 and SESIP Level 3, offering the highest level of embedded security.
Powered by the Arm Cortex-M33 core with TrustZone® technology, the STM32U5 separates secure and non-secure operations to prevent unauthorized access. It supports strong cryptographic functions, including AES encryption, Public Key Accelerator (PKA), SHA, and True Random Number Generator (TRNG), all validated under CAVP CryptoLib standards for trusted encryption and authentication.
The STM32U5 enhances protection with multiple memory safeguards, such as RDP, WRP, OTP, HDP, and MPU, along with secure debugging and external flash decryption (OTFDec). Its active tamper system features four tamper pin pairs, voltage and temperature monitoring, and automatic data erasure during attack attempts.
Additional trust anchor features include Secure Boot, Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M), Secure Firmware Install, and Hardware Unique Keys (HUK) for verified system integrity.
The STM32U5 series provides a flexible microcontroller platform designed to meet a wide range of development needs. With 24 variants, it offers multiple packaging, memory, and security options, giving developers the freedom to tailor performance and functionality for any application.
The series includes eight package types, from compact 48-pin QFN and LQFP to high-performance 169-pin UFBGA. These options make it easy to choose the right configuration, whether for small IoT devices or complex industrial systems that require extensive connectivity.
Developers can also select from two memory configurations: 1 MB Flash with 786 KB RAM or 2 MB Flash with 786 KB RAM. This flexibility allows efficient optimization of memory capacity and power usage based on project requirements.
For designs that require enhanced data protection, the STM32U5 offers models with hardware cryptography (HW crypto). These variants include built-in encryption and authentication support, enabling secure communication and firmware protection.
The STM32U575 and STM32U585 families lead the portfolio, covering all memory and security configurations across different pin counts from 48 to 169 pins. This makes scaling or upgrading designs easier without changing core architecture.
The arrival of the STM32U5 series enriches ST's technology landscape. It brings broad-ranging compatibility with tools such as advanced evaluation boards and the IoT Discovery Kit. Featuring an extensive selection of 24 model variations, this series caters to diverse needs in storage, encryption, and packaging. You can now have the precision to craft solutions that align closely with distinct design specifications and operational necessities.
The STM32U585-equipped IoT Discovery Kit elevates its function through the inclusion of sensors, microphones, and a dynamic array of wireless modules. These modules efficiently support Bluetooth, ZigBee, and WiFi technologies. Utilizing these connections, developers are empowered to design intricate applications requiring precise data collection and transmission. This capability highlights the flexibility of the ecosystem and paves the way for innovative IoT applications beyond previous technical limitations.
By seamlessly connecting to Microsoft Azure via STM32Cube, the ecosystem broadens access to middleware and real-time operating systems. This linkage refines the development process and reduces reliance on external resources, resulting in quicker project completions. Such an efficient approach accelerates the adoption of technology solutions in practical settings, where optimizing time and resources is constantly navigated with diligence.
With these developments, the STM32U5 series epitomizes a visionary stance emphasizing interconnectedness and resource accessibility. This progression signifies a keen awareness of changing technological demands and foresees future trends. By embedding these attributes, the series adeptly serves current expectations and strategically positions itself for future technological transitions, ensuring its ongoing appeal and functionality over the years.
| Feature | STM32U5 | Typical STM32 Microcontrollers |
| Core / Architecture | Arm Cortex-M33 with TrustZone® technology | Cortex-M0, M3, M4, or M7 depending on the series |
| Maximum Clock Speed | Up to 160 MHz | Varies by series (up to 200 MHz or higher on some models) |
| Performance | Around 240 DMIPS / 651 CoreMark | Varies; older STM32 models offer lower CoreMark scores |
| Memory (Flash / SRAM) | Up to 2 MB dual-bank Flash and 786 KB SRAM | Flash typically ranges from 64 KB to 2 MB, SRAM up to 512 KB |
| Power Efficiency | Ultra-low-power operation with LPBAM for background tasks | Standard low-power and sleep modes, less efficient overall |
| Power Consumption | 110 nA (shutdown), 1.7 µA (Stop 3), 19 µA/MHz (active) | Higher current consumption in similar modes |
| Security Features | Arm TrustZone®, AES encryption, Public Key Accelerator, tamper detection, PSA and SESIP Level 3 certified | Basic security, often limited to AES and watchdog protection |
| Hardware Accelerators | Includes FMAC, CORDIC, ART Accelerator, and Chrom-ART for graphics | Some series have DSP and ART but limited acceleration features |
| Integration Level | Combines digital and analog peripherals with strong power management | Varies widely; integration level depends on series |
| Target Applications | IoT, wearables, medical devices, and battery-powered systems | General embedded applications like motor control and automation |
| Package Options | Available in 48- to 169-pin packages | Broad package range across series but differs per family |
| Ecosystem Support | Supported by STM32Cube, IoT Discovery Kits, and cloud integration tools | Supported by STM32Cube ecosystem and evaluation boards |
The STM32U5 microcontroller family represents the pinnacle of ST’s Ultra-Low-Power (ULP) MCU technology. It combines exceptional speed, intelligent power management, and industry-leading security features in one integrated platform. From Low-Power Background Autonomous Mode (LPBAM) to TrustZone® protection and hardware-based encryption, every element is engineered for long-lasting, secure, and efficient operation. Beyond its impressive technical strengths, the STM32U5 also benefits from ST’s expanding development ecosystem, including IoT Discovery Kits, cloud integration tools, and flexible configuration options that make innovation faster and easier. By bridging high performance with ultra-low power consumption, the STM32U5 sets a new standard for microcontroller design-empowering developers to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable embedded solutions for the future.
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FPGA / CPLD
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OCEP
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