STM32 vs Atmel SAM7X

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Hi,

I look for a low cost 32-bit device with ARM core and a bunch of analog/digital peripherals. Why STM32 should be a better choice than Atmel SAM7X ?

Abdul

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Hi Abdul,

My firm started with SAM7S - then LPC, LMI and happiest with STM32.

Everyone's situation is different - suggest you prioritize & chart your requirements - then build a spreadsheet to see how each device compares.

In general the Cortex M3 outperforms ARM7. And the market seems to have adopted the M3 - proof of this is other vendors adopting M3.

Lastly - compare the activity/quality of ''X'' forum vs. this one. Led by STOne-32 - believe you will agree ''this'' is the place to be. (but do not bug ''lanchon!'')

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Quote:

we have licensed the Cortex-M3

And you also have ARM-7 and ARM-9 - so perhaps you could compare & contrast the merits of each...

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Dear jj.sprague,Abdul,

Thanks for the compliments about STM32 based on your personal experience,

I will not say that STM32 is the best as I'm the moderator, so my opinion will not be taken seriously :)

However, in the 32-bits Market, there is a global convergence of 16 & 32 bits applications , ST is a Lead Partner with ARM company, we have licensed the Cortex-M3 and working closely with ARM architects to define this new market requirements to bring the best compromise of core /architecture analog/digital peripherals & low power with a reasonable price.

I can advice you to have a look at this Technical Article : by Tom Cantrell

http://www.st.com/mcu/files/mcu/1206952355.pdf

.

Cheers,

STOne-32.

[ This message was edited by: STOne-32 on 06-10-2008 22:43 ]

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Cortex-M3 from Microchip?

If Microchip acquires Atmel it is possible

http://www.atmel.com/dyn/corporate/view_detail.asp?FileName=Micro_ON_10_2.html

Jan

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Hi,

Thanks for your feedback. In fact, I look for an ARM-based product with Ethernet IP. IMHO, the IPs found in STM32 family does not provide outstanding features. I should like to get STM32 with Ethernet and USB HS.

Maybe it is on the roadmap ...

Abdul

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Quote:

competitive pressure might force them to do it soon enough;

eg, take a look at Luminary Micro - they have Cortex-M3 with ethernet; also USB Host and OTG:

http://www.luminarymicro.com/products/product_selector_guide.html

Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:47

Quote:

IMHO, the IPs found in STM32 family does not provide outstanding features.

I think you are missing the point of the STM32 family in particular, and the Cortex-M3 in general.

If you want ''outstanding features'' (whatever that's supposed to mean), then you should probably be looking at the bigger ARM7- or ARM9-based families.

But if you want a (relatively) small microcontroller for cost-sensitive applications - that's the time to look at STM32 (or other Cortex-M3 parts)

Well, that's how I see it, anyhow!