STM32MP257F - Dual Cortex-A7 + M4 MPU | STMicroelectronics | Industrial IoT
MPN: STM32MP257F β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25.5 | $25.50 |
| 10 | $23.2 | $232.00 |
| 100 | $20.8 | $2,080.00 |
| 500 | $18.9 | $9,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.1 | $17,100.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for STM32MP257F β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32MP257F-A
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32MP257F-EV1
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32MP257F-DK1
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32MP257F-C
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32MP257F Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | Dual-core Arm Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 1.2 GHz (A7), 800 MHz (M4) |
| Number of Cores | 3 (2x A7 + 1x M4) |
| RAM Size | Up to 2 GB DDR4/LPDDR4 |
| GPU | 3D GPU (OpenGL ES 3.1) |
| Ethernet | 2x GbE with TSN |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 |
| CAN | 2x CAN-FD |
| Security | Hardware crypto, secure boot, TrustZone |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | TFBGA-448 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V, 3.3V, core voltage |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Process Technology | 28nm FD-SOI |
STM32MP257F Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VDD_CORE β Core power supply |
| Pin A2 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin B1 | VDD_IO β I/O power supply |
| Pin C1 | ETH1_TX β Ethernet 1 transmit |
| Pin D1 | ETH1_RX β Ethernet 1 receive |
| Pin E1 | USB1_DP β USB 1 data plus |
| Pin F1 | USB1_DM β USB 1 data minus |
| Pin G1 | CAN1_TX β CAN 1 transmit |
| Pin H1 | CAN1_RX β CAN 1 receive |
| Pin J1 | BOOT0 β Boot mode select |
| Pin K1 | NRST β Reset |
| Pin L1 | CLK_IN β External clock input |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.
Typical Applications
STM32MP257F is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial PLC, HMI Panels, Smart Gateway, Edge AI Device, Medical Monitoring, Smart Factory Robot.
Industrial PLC
The STM32MP257F is ideal for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) due to its dual-core A7 for Linux-based HMI and M4 for real-time I/O control. It supports 2x GbE with TSN for deterministic communication and CAN-FD for industrial networks. The hardware crypto ensures secure communication. In a typical PLC, the A7 cores run the control logic and HMI, while the M4 handles fast I/O tasks. The device's rich peripherals allow direct connection to sensors and actuators. Compared to MCU-based PLCs, the MP257F offers higher processing power and memory, enabling more complex algorithms and data logging. Designers must ensure proper power sequencing and thermal management for reliable operation in industrial environments.
Recommended
HMI Panels
The STM32MP257F's 3D GPU and dual-core A7 make it perfect for human-machine interface (HMI) panels. It can drive high-resolution displays with smooth graphics, while the M4 handles touch input and real-time responses. The device supports multiple display interfaces and has enough memory for complex UI frameworks. In an HMI application, the A7 cores run the UI stack (e.g., Qt) and the M4 manages touch and backlight control. The GPU accelerates rendering, reducing CPU load. Compared to MCU-based HMIs, the MP257F offers a richer user experience and faster response. Designers should consider using a dedicated power supply for the GPU and display to avoid noise.
Recommended
Smart Gateway
The STM32MP257F is well-suited for smart gateways that aggregate data from multiple sensors and devices. Its dual-core A7 can run a Linux-based gateway application, while the M4 handles protocol conversion and real-time data acquisition. The device's multiple Ethernet ports and USB support various connectivity options. In a smart gateway, the A7 cores manage the network stack and cloud connectivity, while the M4 handles Modbus or CAN protocols. The hardware crypto ensures secure data transmission. Compared to single-core MCUs, the MP257F offers higher throughput and the ability to run complex edge analytics. Designers should ensure adequate cooling for continuous operation.
Recommended
Edge AI Device
The STM32MP257F can perform edge AI inference for applications like predictive maintenance and anomaly detection. The dual-core A7 provides the compute power for running neural networks, while the M4 handles sensor data acquisition. The device supports hardware acceleration for some AI operations. In an edge AI device, the A7 cores run the inference engine (e.g., TensorFlow Lite), and the M4 collects data from sensors. The GPU can also be used for parallel processing. Compared to cloud-based AI, edge AI reduces latency and bandwidth usage. Designers should optimize power consumption by using low-power modes when idle.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring
The STM32MP257F is suitable for medical monitoring devices that require high reliability and secure data handling. Its dual-core architecture allows separation of safety-critical and non-critical functions. The hardware crypto ensures patient data privacy. In a medical monitor, the A7 cores run the user interface and data logging, while the M4 handles real-time vital sign acquisition. The device's low power consumption is beneficial for portable devices. Compared to general-purpose processors, the MP257F offers a balance of performance and security. Designers must comply with medical standards and ensure proper isolation.
Recommended
Smart Factory Robot
The STM32MP257F can control smart factory robots, providing both high-level planning and real-time motor control. The dual-core A7 runs the robot's operating system and path planning, while the M4 handles motor control loops. The device's CAN-FD and Ethernet support communication with other factory systems. In a robot, the A7 cores process sensor data and make decisions, while the M4 executes precise motor commands. The GPU can be used for vision processing. Compared to separate MCU and MPU solutions, the MP257F reduces system complexity. Designers should ensure real-time performance by properly partitioning tasks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32MP257F β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32MP257F-A | STM32MP257F-EV1 | STM32MP257F-DK1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TFBGA-448 | TFBGA-448 - same | TFBGA-448 - same | TFBGA-448 - same |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Core | Dual Cortex-A7 + M4 | Dual Cortex-A7 + M4 | Dual Cortex-A7 + M4 | Dual Cortex-A7 + M4 |
| Max Clock | 1.2 GHz (A7), 800 MHz (M4) | 1.2 GHz (A7), 800 MHz (M4) | 1.2 GHz (A7), 800 MHz (M4) | 1.2 GHz (A7), 800 MHz (M4) |
| RAM | Up to 2 GB DDR4/LPDDR4 | Up to 2 GB DDR4/LPDDR4 | Up to 2 GB DDR4/LPDDR4 | Up to 2 GB DDR4/LPDDR4 |
| GPU | 3D GPU | 3D GPU | 3D GPU | 3D GPU |
| Ethernet | 2x GbE with TSN | 2x GbE with TSN | 2x GbE with TSN | 2x GbE with TSN |
| Automotive Grade | No | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Heterogeneous dual-core architecture (vs STM32MP157F)
- Integrated 3D GPU (vs STM32MP157F)
- Support for DDR4/LPDDR4 (vs STM32MP157F)
Design Notes
The STM32MP257F requires multiple supply rails: 1.8V for I/O, 3.3V for peripherals, and a core voltage (typically 0.8V-1.0V). Proper power sequencing is critical to avoid latch-up. Use a PMIC like the STPMIC1 to manage sequencing and provide all required rails. Ensure adequate decoupling capacitors (100nF and 10uF) near each power pin.
At maximum frequency, the STM32MP257F can dissipate significant power. The TFBGA-448 package has a thermal resistance of approximately [DATA_NEEDED: theta_JA]. For sustained operation, use a heatsink or thermal vias to a copper plane. In enclosed industrial enclosures, consider active cooling. Monitor junction temperature to stay within -40C to +125C range.
For high-speed interfaces like DDR4 and Ethernet, follow impedance-controlled routing guidelines. Keep traces short and matched for differential pairs. Use ground planes to minimize noise. Place the MPU close to memory and PHY devices to reduce signal integrity issues. Refer to ST's application note AN5122 for layout recommendations.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified for standard version; choose STM32MP257F-A for automotive.
