The 8-bit replacement market is one of the hottest parts of the MCU space. The STMicroelectronics STM32C0 family entrenched itself well - with the STM32C051 and STM32C092, the product portfolio is expanded with more memory and/or a CAN transceiver for automotive communications.

ARM's Cortex-M0+ core enables licensees to offer ever-more-affordable microcontrollers that are price-competitive with traditional 8-bit cores. In the case of the STM32C0 family, the memory matrix presents itself, as shown in the figure.

Almost all of the controllers are programmable in STMCube. The peripheral layouts on evergreens such as the STM32F103 are very similar to those on the larger members of the STM32 family, so developers familiar with the larger chips can easily switch to the new, smaller chips.

Finally, the parts are compatible with the STM32G0 - should the amount of peripheral resources provided on the small chip be insufficient for some reason, the PCB does not need to be modified to accommodate a larger version.

STM32C051 - More Memory, More IO

8-bit microcontrollers are often used as IO accelerators. In the case of the STM32C051 family, STMicroelectronics increases the amount of remanent memory found on the chip - algorithms and control code can now be compiled into up to 64 kB of flash memory.

Furthermore, the smaller housings with up to 48 pins were redesigned to provide additional GPIO pins. This means that more hardware can be interfaced with the chip directly, reducing the BOM cost by eliminating IO expanders and similar digital circuitry.

STM32C092 - More Memory and CAN FD

Zonar architecture and various other advances in automotive electronics led to a situation where more and more devices needed to be connected to the automotive central bus. CAN FD established itself as the standard for all things related to automotive interconnection.

With that STM32C092 SKU, STMicroelectronics provides an affordable automotive CAN FD-capable microcontroller. In addition to the transceiver, the component\'s remanent storage has also been upgraded---versions with 256 kB of flash memory ensure that bitmap resources and similar space-consuming resources can be hosted on the microcontroller.

Compatibility and Powerful Ecosystem

The STM32C0 line is a fully supported member of the STMicroelectronics ecosystem. This means that it is covered by the 10-year longevity programme. Redesigns due to microcontroller discontinuations are highly unlikely when using an STM32C0.

Furthermore, the components are certified under IEC 61508 - if the resulting design needs to be certified in accordance with the standards, using the STM32C0xx reduces total cost of certification.

Conclusion

If a microcontroller application can profit from a fully-featured C compiler and 32-bit computer performance, the STM32 C0 family should always stand at the top of the list. With the STM32C051 and STM32C092 SKUs, STMicroelectronics adds new yet functional capabilities to what is already an established and excellently reputed microcontroller family.