solderic.com The STM32F103 offers a cost-effective solution with a Cortex-M3 core running at up to 72 MHz and is ideal for basic embedded applications requiring moderate processing power and peripherals. For more demanding tasks, the STM32F407 features a faster Cortex-M4 core at up to 168 MHz with DSP and floating-point units, making it better suited for complex projects; explore the detailed comparison to see which fits Your needs best.
Comparison Table
| Feature | STM32F103 | STM32F407 |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M3, 72 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4, 168 MHz |
| Flash Memory | Up to 128 KB | Up to 1 MB |
| SRAM | Up to 20 KB | 192 KB |
| ADC | 12-bit, 10 channels | 12-bit, 24 channels |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, SPI, I2C | USART, SPI, I2C, CAN, USB OTG, Ethernet |
| Timers | Up to 3 general-purpose timers | Advanced timers with PWM, up to 14 timers |
| DMA | Yes | Yes, advanced DMA controller |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 to 3.6 V | 1.8 to 3.6 V |
| Packages | LQFP48, LQFP64 | LQFP64, LQFP100, BGA100 |
| Use Case | Basic to mid-level applications | High-performance, DSP, and real-time control |
Introduction to STM32F103 and STM32F407
STM32F103 microcontrollers feature an ARM Cortex-M3 core with up to 72 MHz clock speed, designed for cost-sensitive applications requiring moderate processing power and extensive peripheral support. STM32F407 microcontrollers utilize an ARM Cortex-M4 core running up to 168 MHz, integrating DSP instructions and a floating-point unit for higher performance in complex real-time applications. Both families offer a broad range of memory sizes and connectivity options, but STM32F407 targets more demanding embedded systems with advanced computational needs.
Core Architecture Comparison
The STM32F103 is built on the ARM Cortex-M3 core, operating at up to 72 MHz, which provides efficient performance for mid-range embedded applications. In contrast, the STM32F407 features the more advanced ARM Cortex-M4 core with a Floating Point Unit (FPU), running up to 168 MHz, offering superior computational power and enhanced digital signal processing capabilities. Your choice between these two will impact processing speed, real-time performance, and suitability for complex or DSP-heavy tasks.
Clock Speed and Performance
The STM32F103 operates at a maximum clock speed of 72 MHz, delivering efficient performance for moderate processing tasks, while the STM32F407 supports clock speeds up to 168 MHz, enabling significantly higher computational capabilities and faster execution. The Cortex-M4 core of the STM32F407 includes a floating-point unit (FPU) and DSP instructions, enhancing performance in complex mathematical operations compared to the Cortex-M3 core of the STM32F103. This difference makes the STM32F407 ideal for applications requiring advanced signal processing and real-time performance.
Memory and Storage Differences
The STM32F103 features up to 128 KB of Flash memory and 20 KB of SRAM, designed for moderate embedded applications, while the STM32F407 offers significantly larger memory with up to 1 MB of Flash and 192 KB of SRAM, supporting more complex and data-intensive tasks. The STM32F407 also includes an external memory interface, enabling expansion with additional RAM or Flash, which the STM32F103 lacks. These memory and storage differences make the STM32F407 better suited for applications requiring larger code footprints and higher data throughput.
Peripheral Features and Support
The STM32F103 offers a range of peripheral features including up to three USARTs, two I2C interfaces, three SPI interfaces, and 12-bit ADC with up to 16 channels, suitable for basic to moderately complex applications. In contrast, the STM32F407 provides enhanced peripheral support with six USARTs, three I2C interfaces, four SPI interfaces, an advanced 12-bit ADC with up to 24 channels, plus additional peripherals such as Ethernet MAC, USB OTG, camera interface (DCMI), and a dedicated cryptographic accelerator. This expanded peripheral set in the STM32F407 enables more versatile connectivity and processing options for high-performance embedded systems.
Connectivity Options
The STM32F103 offers basic connectivity options including USART, SPI, I2C, and CAN interfaces suitable for standard communication needs. The STM32F407 significantly expands connectivity with additional interfaces such as USB OTG, Ethernet MAC, multiple USART/SPI/I2C channels, and advanced CAN support, enabling high-speed data transfer and networking capabilities. Your choice depends on whether you require more robust and versatile connectivity options for complex applications or simpler, cost-effective communication features.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The STM32F103 offers lower power consumption with its ARM Cortex-M3 core, making it ideal for energy-efficient applications requiring moderate processing power. In contrast, the STM32F407, featuring a Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions, consumes more power but delivers higher efficiency in computational tasks and real-time processing. Your choice should balance between the lower power demands of the STM32F103 and the enhanced processing efficiency of the STM32F407 depending on your application's performance and energy requirements.
Development Tools and Ecosystem
The STM32F103 and STM32F407 microcontrollers both support the STM32Cube ecosystem, offering comprehensive firmware libraries and configuration tools that streamline development. The STM32F407 benefits from enhanced development tool compatibility, including advanced debugging features and broader support in IDEs like Keil MDK and IAR Embedded Workbench. Extensive middleware support and community resources enable faster prototyping and deployment for both MCUs, with the STM32F407 providing higher performance options for complex applications.
Typical Applications for Each MCU
STM32F103 microcontrollers excel in automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial applications requiring efficient control and moderate computing power. STM32F407 offers enhanced performance suitable for advanced motor control, complex audio processing, and high-speed connectivity in industrial automation and multimedia devices. Your choice depends on the required processing capabilities and specific application demands.
Choosing Between STM32F103 and STM32F407
Choosing between the STM32F103 and STM32F407 depends on your application's performance and feature requirements. The STM32F103 offers a Cortex-M3 core at up to 72 MHz with essential peripherals, ideal for cost-sensitive or less demanding projects. The STM32F407 features a more powerful Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions, running up to 168 MHz, along with advanced peripherals like Ethernet and USB OTG, making it suitable for high-performance and multimedia applications.
STM32F103 vs STM32F407 Infographic
