New STM32H5 MCU Series from STMicroelectronics Boosts Performance and Security for Next-generation Smart Applications

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has introduced its new performance-oriented STM32H5 microcontroller (MCU) series with cutting-edge security provided by STM32Trust TEE Security Manager for smart, connected devices.

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The new STM32H5 MCUs contain the embedded core from Arm®, the Cortex®-M33, which blends high performance with security, energy efficiency, and affordability, to best address the mid-range class of MCU-based applications. Indeed, it’s the world’s highest performing Cortex-M33 implementation, running at 250MHz and 375 DMIPS for an EEMBC CoreMark industry-reference score of 1023.

The STM32H5 series is designed to accelerate innovation at scale for the coming generations of smart, connected devices, which provide more intelligence “in the edge” and also strengthens defenses against attacks on IoT assets. The Cortex-M33 core brings Arm’s TrustZone® architecture. Building on this, ST adds a range of its own security features, including some developed with ST Authorized Partner, ProvenRun.

The STM32H5 is the first MCU series to come with system-on-chip (SoC) security services accessed via an industry-standard API. This facility, called STM32Trust TEE Secure Manager, saves developers writing their own code while providing security services developed according to known best practice. It simplifies development while ensuring effective protection.

“Our connected world is ready for the enhancements coming with the STM32H5 series, to support advanced services while keeping users, assets, and data secure,” said Ricardo De Sa Earp, Executive Vice President General-Purpose Microcontroller Sub-Group, Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group. “We expect these new MCUs to become the preferred controllers making tomorrow’s smart homes, factories, and cities intelligent, safe, and sustainable.”

Challenging the perception that increased performance comes with power dissipation constraints for developers, the STM32H5 MCUs also improve energy efficiency by leveraging ST’s advanced 40nm CMOS process technology and improved on-chip power-conversion circuits. With these MCUs, power dissipation is no longer a constraint when using a 250MHz device in harsh environments where the ambient temperature can reach 125°C. In addition, STM32H5 MCUs are SIL-ready for products that must meet an appropriate safety integrity level (SIL), thanks to native hardware features that address a wide range of industrial and medical applications.

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Typical applications for the new MCUs include air conditioning systems, appliances, and alarm systems, industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor controls, industrial pumps, communication gateways, lighting controls, and energy conversion. They are also used in consumer products such as PC peripherals, smartphones, and accessories.

Further technical information:
ST has worked with highly regarded technology companies to achieve the significant improvements in performance and security now available with the STM32H5 series. The Company has been a lead development partner with Arm, supporting development of the Cortex-M33 core to comply with the PSA Certified Level 3 and GlobalPlatform SESIP3 security specifications. In addition, ST has collaborated with Microsoft Azure on middleware with strong security.

The STM32Trust TEE Secure Manager is developed with ProvenRun and powered by ProvenCore-M to ensure today’s highest security-assurance levels. The SoC security services provided include isolation, cryptography, key storage, and initial attestation. To help users maximize its potential, ST has created dedicated development kits NUCLEO-H503RB for $15, NUCLEO-H563ZI for $29, and STM32H573I-DK for $99 with examples showing how to use the security services and integrated all the necessary software tools and support in the STM32Cube development ecosystem.

The new devices also provide in-ST factory pre-provisioning credentials for seamless registration to various cloud and OEM servers, multi-tenant IP protection, and remote pre-integrated 3rd party public key infrastructure (PKI) lifecycle management.

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