solderic.com The SAMD21 offers low power consumption and a user-friendly 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core, suitable for energy-efficient and compact applications, while the STM32F103 provides higher performance with a Cortex-M3 core and better real-time processing capabilities, ideal for more demanding embedded projects. Explore the full comparison to determine which microcontroller aligns best with Your project's specific requirements.
Comparison Table
| Feature | SAM D21 | STM32F103 |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M0+ | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Max Clock Speed | 48 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Flash Memory | Up to 256 KB | Up to 128 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 20 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.62V - 3.63V | 2.0V - 3.6V |
| GPIO Pins | Up to 52 | Up to 37 |
| ADC Channels | 12-bit, up to 16 channels | 12-bit, up to 16 channels |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, I2C, SPI, USB | UART, I2C, SPI, CAN |
| Low-Power Modes | Yes, multiple modes | Yes, multiple modes |
| Package Options | QFN, TQFP | LQFP, UFQFPN |
Overview of SAMD21 and STM32F103
The SAMD21 microcontroller features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core optimized for low power consumption and efficient performance in wearable and IoT applications. The STM32F103, based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core, offers higher processing power and faster clock speeds, making it suitable for more demanding embedded systems. Your choice between SAMD21 and STM32F103 depends on whether you prioritize energy efficiency or raw computational performance.
Core Architecture Comparison
The SAMD21 microcontroller features an ARM Cortex-M0+ core optimized for low power consumption and efficiency, running at up to 48 MHz, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. In contrast, the STM32F103 utilizes an ARM Cortex-M3 core with higher processing performance, clock speeds up to 72 MHz, and enhanced interrupt handling, suitable for more demanding real-time control tasks. The Cortex-M3 architecture of the STM32F103 supports a more advanced instruction set and better code density compared to the Cortex-M0+ in the SAMD21, influencing application design and system responsiveness.
Performance and Clock Speed
The STM32F103 offers higher clock speeds, typically up to 72 MHz, compared to the SAMD21's maximum of 48 MHz, resulting in superior raw performance for demanding applications. Its Cortex-M3 core is optimized for higher throughput and faster execution cycles compared to the Cortex-M0+ in the SAMD21. Your choice between these microcontrollers should consider the STM32F103's enhanced processing speed for complex tasks versus the SAMD21's lower power consumption at moderate clock rates.
Memory Specifications
The SAMD21 features 256 KB of flash memory and 32 KB of SRAM, ideal for moderate code and data storage needs, while the STM32F103 offers up to 128 KB of flash and 20 KB of SRAM, suited for slightly smaller applications. Both microcontrollers provide EEPROM emulation, but the SAMD21's larger memory capacity supports more complex firmware and extensive data logging. Your choice depends on the memory requirements of your project and the specific performance characteristics each MCU provides.
Peripheral and I/O Capabilities
The SAMD21 microcontroller features up to 38 GPIO pins with flexible peripheral options including SERCOM modules that support I2C, SPI, and UART, enhancing communication capabilities. The STM32F103 offers up to 37 GPIOs with advanced peripherals such as multiple USARTs, SPI, I2C interfaces, and a CAN interface, providing robust connectivity options. Your choice depends on the need for flexible SERCOM-based communication in SAMD21 or the wider peripheral range and CAN support in the STM32F103.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The SAMD21 microcontroller excels in low power consumption with its advanced 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core, enabling efficient operation in battery-powered applications by consuming as little as 30 uA/MHz in active mode and down to 1 uA in standby. In contrast, the STM32F103, based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core, typically consumes more power, around 150 uA/MHz in active mode, making it less suitable for ultra-low-power applications but offering higher processing performance. Efficiency in the SAMD21 is enhanced by multiple sleep modes and an integrated Brown-Out Detector, while the STM32F103 provides a balance between performance and power, with features like dynamic voltage scaling for moderate power savings.
Development Tools and Ecosystem
The STM32F103 boasts a robust development ecosystem with extensive support from STM32CubeMX, a comprehensive HAL library, and compatibility with popular IDEs like Keil, IAR, and STM32CubeIDE, offering a wide range of middleware and example projects. In contrast, the SAMD21 integrates seamlessly with Atmel Studio and supports ARM Cortex-M0+ development, with strong backing from Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and ASF (Atmel Software Framework), enabling efficient code generation and peripheral configuration. Your choice depends on preferred development tools and ecosystem maturity, where STM32F103 provides a broader, industry-standard toolset, while SAMD21 excels in ease of use and tailored Microchip support.
Community Support and Documentation
The STM32F103 benefits from extensive community support and comprehensive documentation due to its long-standing popularity in embedded systems, featuring numerous open-source libraries, forums, and detailed application notes from STMicroelectronics. The SAMD21, while backed by Microchip and supported by the Arduino ecosystem, has comparatively smaller community contributions and fewer third-party resources, which can impact troubleshooting and advanced project development. Choosing your microcontroller depends on the level of community interaction and available technical resources suited to your project's complexity and support needs.
Typical Application Areas
The SAMD21 microcontroller is commonly used in low-power wearable devices, IoT sensors, and consumer electronics due to its efficient ARM Cortex-M0+ core and integrated peripherals. The STM32F103, featuring an ARM Cortex-M3 core, excels in industrial control systems, motor control, and automotive applications where higher processing power and real-time performance are essential. Your choice depends on whether your project prioritizes energy efficiency and compact design or demands robust computational capabilities and advanced connectivity options.
Choosing Between SAMD21 and STM32F103
Choosing between the SAMD21 and STM32F103 microcontrollers depends on your project requirements such as processing power, peripherals, and power consumption. SAMD21 offers a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ core with low power consumption and is ideal for battery-operated and low-power applications, while STM32F103 features a more powerful ARM Cortex-M3 core suitable for performance-intensive tasks and real-time applications. Your decision should consider factors like available development tools, community support, and specific hardware interfaces needed for your design.
samd21 vs stm32f103 Infographic
