Free self-test software for MCU family

28 May 2008 DSP, Micros & Memory

STMicroelectronics has announced a new software library for the recently-announced STM32 Flash microcontroller (MCU) family - which is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core - designed specifically to simplify the testing and securing of end-product approval and compliance with the demands of the IEC 60335-1 standard, when the MCU is used in household appliances. This standard requires the software of MCU-based appliances to be evaluated according to its impact on overall consumer and application safety. When some of the fault detection relies on the MCU, the embedded code must contain self-test routines, and must be evaluated under the so-called Class B requirements for its ability to detect safety critical failures.

The new self-diagnostic software modules developed by ST for the STM32 family have been approved by the VDE (German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) testing and certification institute, which is recognised globally for its efforts. Now, when a manufacturer uses these modules in an application - unchanged and in accordance with ST's integration guidelines - the application will not need to be completely re-evaluated as part of the final product certification, thereby saving significant time for the appliance manufacturer.

The software library, with associated documentation, is available free of charge. It includes a complete safe-boot sequence, plus self-diagnostic modules for the CPU, non-volatile memory, RAM and the clock frequency. Transparent RAM tests are also carried out during run-time. In addition, the STM32 embeds safety-related hardware, including dual internal watchdogs and fail-safe clock circuitry, which simplifies certification by reducing the number of self-test routines actually required and decreasing the software overhead.

Further reading:

KIOXIA pioneer new 3D Flash technology
EBV Electrolink DSP, Micros & Memory
KIOXIA Corporation and Sandisk Corporation have pioneered a state-of-the-art 3D flash memory technology, setting the industry benchmark with a 4,8 Gb/s NAND interface speed, superior power efficiency, and heightened density.

Read more...

---

Artificial intelligence meets embedded development
Avnet Silica DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist software developers and embedded engineers in writing and debugging code with the launch of its MPLAB AI Coding Assistant.

Read more...

---

Embedded module for AI vision applications
Rugged Interconnect Technologies DSP, Micros & Memory
The TQMa95xxSA supports AI/ML with vision applications through an integrated NPU and an image processor unit.

Read more...

---

High-speed Flash for SoC applications
NuVision Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
GigaDevice has unveiled the GD25NE series of dual-power supply SPI NOR Flash chips, designed specifically for 1,2 V system-on-chip (SoC) applications.

Read more...

---

Super-fast H.264 encoder FPGA core
EBV Electrolink DSP, Micros & Memory
An ITAR-compliant H.264 core designed for AMD FPGAs provides baseline H.264 support and is currently the smallest and fastest FPGA core in the industry.

Read more...

---

ST MCUs extend ultra-low power innovation
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
STMicroelectronics has introduced new STM32U3 microcontrollers with cutting-edge power-saving innovations that ease deployment of smart connected tech, especially in remote locations.

Read more...

---

Chipset enables ultra-wide signal capture
RFiber Solutions DSP, Micros & Memory
Jariet Technologies has developed Electra, a chipset that enables ultra-wide, multi-function and multi-band signal capture and generation from a single component.

Read more...

---

SoC for real-time AI at the edge
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
Ambiq’s Apollo330 Plus series is purpose-built to enable always-on and real-time AI inferencing on devices.

Read more...

---

Evaluation kit for ML applications
Future Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
The hardware kit includes radar, acoustic, pressure and motion sensors and integrates dual Arm Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0+ CPU cores.

Read more...

---

Microprocessors with advanced graphics and connectivity
Avnet Silica DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s SAMA7D65 MPU runs a 1 GHz Arm Cortex-A7 core and integrates MIPI DSI, LVDS display interfaces and 2D GPU for HMI applications.

Read more...

---