company blog about ST STM32F302K8U6TR High-Performance 32-Bit Single-Core Microcontrollers

ST STM32F302K8U6TR High-Performance 32-Bit Single-Core Microcontrollers

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd, as a senior supplier in the field of electronic components, has been supplying ST's STM32F302K8U6TR products for a long time.As a high-performance microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M4 core, the STM32F302K8U6TR has become an industrial control by virtue of its excellent processing power, rich peripheral interfaces, and low-power consumption features, consumer electronics and IoT applications.

Product Overview and Core Features

The STM32F302K8U6TR is a mainstream mixed-signal microcontroller belonging to the STM32F3 series product line. This model features an advanced 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core architecture with an integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Floating Point Unit (FPU), which provides excellent computing performance at 72MHz.

In terms of core processor architecture, the STM32F302K8U6TR features the ARM® Cortex®-M4 core, a 32-bit RISC processor that not only supports the Thumb-2 instruction set, but also integrates DSP instructions and a single-precision FPU (Floating-Point Unit), enabling it to efficiently handle complex mathematical operations and digital signal processing tasks. 72MHz maximum A maximum operating frequency of 72MHz ensures fast response time for real-time control applications.

In terms of storage resource allocation, the STM32F302K8U6TR microcontrollers are equipped with 64KB of Flash programme memory and 16KB of SRAM, providing ample storage space for medium-complexity applications. The Flash memory supports read acceleration for zero-wait state execution, further enhancing code execution efficiency.

Peripheral interface richness is another highlight of the STM32F302K8U6TR. It integrates a variety of communication interfaces, including:

1 CAN 2.0B controller

2 I2C interfaces (SMBus/PMBus support)

2 SPI interfaces (up to 18 Mbit/s)

3 USART (supports LIN master-slave function)

1 full-speed USB 2.0 interface

1 infrared interface (IrDA)

These interfaces provide great convenience for connecting various types of sensors, actuators and communication modules.

In terms of analogue functionality, the STM32F302K8U6TR integrates an 8-channel 12-bit ADC (1Msps sampling rate) and a 1-channel 12-bit DAC, enabling it to directly process analogue signals for application scenarios that require analogue signal acquisition and generation. In addition, the STM32F302K8U6TR device is also equipped with seven general-purpose timers (including a 16-bit advanced control timer), a system watchdog timer and a window watchdog timer, for various types of timing and control tasks to provide hardware support.

Technical Parameter Details

The STM32F302K8U6TR microcontrollers have a series of precision-designed technical parameters that together determine their performance in various application scenarios.

The core processing unit of the STM32F302K8U6TR is based on an ARM Cortex-M4 core running at up to 72MHz, with support for the DSP instruction set and a single-precision floating-point unit (FPU). This configuration gives it a significant advantage in digital signal processing, motor control, and complex algorithm implementations.The STM32F302K8U6TR's core is based on a 32-bit architecture with support for the Thumb-2 instruction set, which provides performance close to that of a 32-bit processor while maintaining code density.

The memory subsystem of the STM32F302K8U6TR consists of 64KB of Flash memory organised in a 64K x 8 structure to support read acceleration and code protection features, and 16KB of SRAM (16K x 8) to provide space for data storage and run-time stacks. This storage configuration is suitable for medium-complexity embedded applications such as industrial controllers, consumer electronics devices and IoT terminals.

For power management, the STM32F302K8U6TR operates over a wide voltage range of 2.0V to 3.6V and supports multiple low-power modes:

Sleep mode: only the CPU stops, peripherals remain running

Stop mode: SRAM and register contents are preserved and the 1.8V area clock is stopped.

Standby mode: Lowest power mode, backup domain only and optional RTC operation

These modes are implemented through a fine-grained power management unit (PMU) that significantly extends the endurance of battery-powered devices.

Analogue peripheral configurations include:

8-channel 12-bit ADC: up to 1Msps sample rate, 0V to 3.6V conversion range

1-channel 12-bit DAC: with output buffering and sample hold function

Analogue comparator: can be used for analogue signal monitoring and triggering

These analogue peripherals make it possible to interface directly with a wide range of sensors without the need for additional signal conditioning circuitry.

A wide range of digital peripherals is available:

Up to 24 general-purpose I/O pins: all can be mapped as external interrupt sources.

Timer system: including a 16-bit advanced control timer (suitable for motor PWM generation), three 16-bit general-purpose timers, and two watchdog timers.

DMA controller: 7 channels, supports peripheral to memory, memory to peripheral and memory to memory data transfer

These peripherals greatly reduce the burden on the CPU and improve the overall efficiency of the system.

The communication interface comprehensively covers mainstream protocols:

CAN 2.0B controller: supports automatic retransmission and frame filtering

USB 2.0 full-speed interface: Built-in PHY and support for device mode

Multi-standard serial communication interfaces: including USART (UART mode supports LIN), SPI (up to 18Mbit/s) and I2C (supports SMBus/PMBus)

These interfaces provide flexible options for device networking and system expansion.

For packaging and operating environment, the STM32F302K8U6TR is available in a 32-pin UFQFPN package (5x5mm), which is RoHS compliant and suitable for high-density PCB design. The operating temperature range is from -40°C to +85°C, which meets the requirements of industrial-grade applications.

Application Areas

With its high-performance mixed-signal processing capability and rich peripheral interfaces, the STM32F302K8U6TR demonstrates a wide range of application potentials in a number of industry sectors.

Industrial automation control is an important application direction of STM32F302K8U6TR. Its built-in Cortex-M4 core with DSP instruction set and FPU unit can efficiently handle motor control algorithms such as FOC (Field Oriented Control) and PID regulation. The advanced timer supports PWM generation to directly drive three-phase motors; the CAN interface facilitates the construction of industrial fieldbus networks; and the rich ADC channels can be used for multiple sensor signal acquisition. Typical applications include:

Industrial servo drives

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) I/O modules

Inverter control systems

Industrial robot joint controllers

In the field of consumer electronics, the STM32F302K8U6TR microcontroller's low-power features and USB interface make it ideal for portable devices. 72MHz main frequency is sufficient to handle audio codecs and user-interface logic, while the built-in DAC can be used for simple audio output. Specific application scenarios are covered:

Smart home control panels

Handheld medical devices (e.g. glucose meters, blood pressure monitors)

Fitness trackers and smartwatches

Consumer-grade drone flight control systems

IoT end devices also benefit from the STM32F302K8U6TR's feature set. Its low-power mode significantly extends battery life, multiple communication interfaces facilitate the connection of wireless modules, and enough processing power to handle sensor data and perform edge computing tasks. Typical IoT applications include:

Wireless sensor nodes

Smart agricultural monitoring devices

Environmental parameter collection terminals

Asset trackers

In automotive electronics, although the STM32F302K8U6TR is not a dedicated automotive-grade device, its wide temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and stable performance make it suitable for some of the non-safety critical automotive applications such as:

In-vehicle infotainment system auxiliary controllers

Automotive air conditioning control systems

Car body electronic control modules (e.g. window, seat adjustment)

In-vehicle charger management units

Medical electronics are also an important application area for the STM32F302K8U6TR. Its precise ADC and low-noise design are suitable for bio-signal acquisition, while the rich timer resources can be used for waveform generation and timing control. Application examples include:

Portable patient monitoring equipment

Rehabilitation therapy equipment

Medical pump control systems

Front-end controllers for diagnostic equipment