STMicroelectronics announced an evaluation and development kit for the company's STR91x 32-bit microcontroller family, which is based on the ARM966E core and is particularly suited to networked embedded applications. The new STR9-comStick - configured as a 'USB stick' with a built-in USB connector that enables it to plug directly into a host PC - has a recommended resale price of $49, and is supplied with a complete Hitex software tool set.
The STR91x series is a general-purpose Flash microcontroller family combining the ARM9E processor core with Static RAM and Flash memories, and with broad connectivity through 10/100-Mbit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB and CAN (Controller Area Network) protocols. It was developed specifically to meet growing demand for higher performance in embedded-control applications, and to provide built-in Ethernet capability. Typical applications include Point-of-Sale (POS) equipment, vending machines, industrial and building automation, serial-protocol gateways, and security and surveillance systems.
The Hitex software tools, included with the STR9-comStick, allow the developer to modify and recompile application source code, program the STR91x MCU, and debug applications as they run on the development system. The tool set includes the HiTOP5 debugger, and a GNU C/C++ compiler for ARM - both optimized for the STR9-comStick - plus a uIP TCP/IP stack port as a foundation for embedded Ethernet applications. The kit also includes a set of ready-to-run sample applications, including an embedded web server, USB mouse software, CAN monitor and generator, vectored interrupt controller and timer, together with ADC and I/O routines. All the source files can be downloaded free from the Hitex website, and can be used, modified and adapted for the user's own application. Also available from the dedicated STR9-comStick website are the latest documentation, new sample applications and STR9 Insider's Guides, plus training and ordering information.
The STR9-comStick completes the existing tool line-up for the STR9, building on the proven Hitex software tool set, and complementing the broad range of more specialized evaluation kits, software and debugging tools, from ST and from third parties including Hitex, IAR, Keil and Raisonance. The comStick is an entry-level tool that simplifies the evaluation and development of networked applications taking advantage of the computing power and connectivity features of the STR91xF series MCUs.
