STM32F4 vs. STM32H5
What's the Difference?
The STM32F4 and STM32H5 are both microcontroller families developed by STMicroelectronics, but they have some key differences. The STM32F4 series is based on the ARM Cortex-M4 core and is known for its high performance and low power consumption. It is commonly used in applications such as industrial control systems, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. On the other hand, the STM32H5 series is based on the ARM Cortex-M7 core and offers even higher performance and more advanced features such as hardware-based security and real-time performance. It is often used in applications that require high processing power and advanced security features, such as industrial automation, medical devices, and IoT applications. Overall, the STM32H5 is a more advanced and powerful microcontroller compared to the STM32F4, but both offer a wide range of features and capabilities for different types of applications.
Comparison
| Attribute | STM32F4 | STM32H5 |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Cortex-M4 | Cortex-M7 |
| Max CPU Frequency | 180 MHz | 480 MHz |
| Flash Memory | up to 1 MB | up to 2 MB |
| SRAM | up to 192 KB | up to 1 MB |
| GPIO | up to 168 | up to 176 |
Further Detail
Introduction
STM32 microcontrollers are widely used in embedded systems due to their high performance and low power consumption. Two popular families of STM32 microcontrollers are the STM32F4 and STM32H5 series. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two families to help you choose the right microcontroller for your project.
Performance
The STM32F4 series is based on the ARM Cortex-M4 core, which offers a maximum clock speed of 180 MHz. This makes it suitable for applications that require high processing power, such as digital signal processing and motor control. On the other hand, the STM32H5 series is based on the ARM Cortex-M7 core, which offers a maximum clock speed of 480 MHz. This makes it even more powerful than the STM32F4 series and suitable for demanding applications that require real-time processing.
Memory
When it comes to memory, the STM32F4 series typically offers up to 1 MB of Flash memory and 192 KB of RAM. This is sufficient for most embedded applications, but may not be enough for more complex projects. In comparison, the STM32H5 series offers up to 2 MB of Flash memory and 1 MB of RAM, providing more storage space for larger programs and data sets.
Connectivity
Both the STM32F4 and STM32H5 series come with a variety of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, CAN, and UART interfaces. However, the STM32H5 series also includes a high-speed USB 2.0 interface with a dedicated DMA controller, which can improve data transfer speeds significantly. This makes the STM32H5 series a better choice for applications that require fast and reliable communication.
Security
Security is a critical aspect of embedded systems, especially in applications that handle sensitive data. The STM32H5 series includes advanced security features, such as hardware-based secure boot and cryptographic accelerators, to protect against cyber threats. While the STM32F4 series also offers some security features, such as a memory protection unit and a secure firmware update mechanism, it may not be as robust as the STM32H5 series in terms of security.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is another important factor to consider when choosing a microcontroller for your project. The STM32F4 series is known for its low power consumption, with a typical current consumption of around 7 mA/MHz. On the other hand, the STM32H5 series is optimized for ultra-low power applications, with a typical current consumption of around 5 mA/MHz. This makes the STM32H5 series a better choice for battery-powered devices or applications that require long battery life.
Development Tools
Both the STM32F4 and STM32H5 series are supported by the STM32Cube development ecosystem, which includes a comprehensive set of software tools, middleware, and libraries to help you develop and debug your embedded applications. Additionally, both series are compatible with popular IDEs such as Keil, IAR Embedded Workbench, and STM32CubeIDE. This makes it easy to get started with development on either series of microcontrollers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the STM32F4 and STM32H5 series of microcontrollers offer high performance, advanced features, and a wide range of connectivity options. The STM32F4 series is a good choice for applications that require moderate processing power and memory, while the STM32H5 series is better suited for demanding applications that require real-time processing and advanced security features. Ultimately, the choice between the two series will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
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