STM32MP257FAE3 - Dual Cortex-A7 + M4 MPU | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32MP257FAE3 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25.5 | $25.50 |
| 10 | $23.2 | $232.00 |
| 100 | $20.1 | $2,010.00 |
| 500 | $18.4 | $9,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.8 | $16,800.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for STM32MP257FAE3 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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STM32MP257FAE3
✅ Drop-In✓ 99,999 In Stock
$16.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32MP257FAE3
✅ Drop-In✓ 99,999 In Stock
$16.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32MP257FAE3
✅ Drop-In✓ 99,999 In Stock
$16.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32MP257FAE3
✅ Drop-In✓ 99,999 In Stock
$16.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32MP257FAE3
✅ Drop-In✓ 99,999 In Stock
$16.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32MP257FAE3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-A7 (dual) + Cortex-M4 |
| Core Architecture | ARMv7-A (A7) + ARMv7E-M (M4) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 1.2 GHz (A7) / 800 MHz (M4) |
| Number of Cores | 3 (2x A7 + 1x M4) |
| RAM Size | [DATA_NEEDED: RAM Size] |
| Program Memory Size | [DATA_NEEDED: Program Memory Size] |
| Program Memory Type | External (DDR4/LPDDR4, NAND, NOR) |
| Number of I/O Pins | [DATA_NEEDED: Number of I/O Pins] |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Ethernet, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, SDIO |
| Package | TFBGA-448 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V, 3.3V |
| Security Features | Secure Boot, Cryptographic Accelerators, TrustZone |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
STM32MP257FAE3 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VDD — Core power supply (1.8V) |
| Pin A2 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin B1 | VDD_IO — I/O power supply (3.3V) |
| Pin B2 | VSS_IO — I/O ground |
| Pin C1 | NRST — Reset (active low) |
| Pin C2 | BOOT0 — Boot mode selection |
| Pin D1 | PA0 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin D2 | PA1 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin E1 | PA2 — GPIO / USART2_TX |
| Pin E2 | PA3 — GPIO / USART2_RX |
| Pin F1 | PA4 — GPIO / SPI1_NSS |
| Pin F2 | PA5 — GPIO / SPI1_SCK |
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
STM32MP257FAE3 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation, Smart Gateways, Medical Devices, Human-Machine Interface (HMI), IoT Edge Devices, Consumer Electronics.
Industrial Automation
The STM32MP257FAE3 is ideal for industrial automation applications such as PLCs, robotics, and machine vision. Its dual-core Cortex-A7 provides high-performance processing for complex control algorithms, while the Cortex-M4 handles real-time I/O with low latency. The device supports industrial temperature ranges and offers rich connectivity including Ethernet, CAN, and UART, making it suitable for factory floor environments. In a typical PLC, the STM32MP257FAE3 can run a Linux-based HMI and control logic, while the M4 core handles fast digital I/O and communication with field devices. The device's security features ensure secure boot and encrypted communication, protecting against cyber threats. Compared to using separate MCU and MPU, this heterogeneous architecture reduces system complexity and cost.
Recommended
Smart Gateways
The STM32MP257FAE3 is well-suited for smart gateways that aggregate data from multiple sensors and protocols, providing edge computing and cloud connectivity. Its dual-core Cortex-A7 can run Linux and handle protocol stacks (e.g., MQTT, Modbus), while the Cortex-M4 manages sensor interfaces and real-time data acquisition. The device supports multiple UARTs, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet, enabling connection to a wide range of sensors and actuators. In a smart home gateway, the STM32MP257FAE3 can process data locally, reducing latency and bandwidth usage. Its security features enable secure communication with cloud services. The device's low power consumption and industrial temperature range make it suitable for always-on gateway applications.
Recommended
Medical Devices
The STM32MP257FAE3 is suitable for medical devices such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic equipment. Its high-performance dual-core Cortex-A7 can run complex algorithms for signal processing and user interfaces, while the Cortex-M4 handles real-time control of sensors and actuators. The device supports a wide range of peripherals including ADC, DAC, and communication interfaces, enabling integration with medical sensors. Its security features ensure patient data privacy and secure firmware updates. The industrial temperature range and long-term availability make it suitable for medical devices with a long lifecycle. In a patient monitor, the STM32MP257FAE3 can process ECG and SpO2 signals, display waveforms on an LCD, and communicate with a central monitoring system.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The STM32MP257FAE3 is an excellent choice for HMI applications in industrial and consumer products. Its dual-core Cortex-A7 can run a rich graphical user interface (GUI) using Linux and a GPU, while the Cortex-M4 handles touch input and real-time control. The device supports multiple display interfaces and touch controllers, enabling the creation of interactive panels. In an industrial HMI, the STM32MP257FAE3 can display real-time data, alarms, and control screens, while communicating with PLCs and other devices. Its security features protect against unauthorized access. The device's high performance ensures smooth graphics and responsive touch, enhancing user experience.
Recommended
IoT Edge Devices
The STM32MP257FAE3 is ideal for IoT edge devices that require local processing, connectivity, and security. Its dual-core Cortex-A7 can run Linux and handle cloud connectivity protocols, while the Cortex-M4 manages sensor data acquisition and low-power modes. The device supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet via external modules, enabling flexible connectivity options. Its security features include secure boot and cryptographic accelerators, ensuring secure communication and data protection. In an IoT edge gateway, the STM32MP257FAE3 can aggregate data from multiple sensors, perform edge analytics, and send only relevant data to the cloud, reducing bandwidth and latency. The device's industrial temperature range makes it suitable for outdoor and harsh environments.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics
The STM32MP257FAE3 can be used in consumer electronics such as smart speakers, home automation hubs, and multimedia devices. Its dual-core Cortex-A7 provides sufficient performance for audio processing, voice recognition, and user interfaces, while the Cortex-M4 handles real-time tasks like sensor fusion and power management. The device supports multiple audio interfaces and display outputs, enabling rich multimedia experiences. Its security features protect user data and enable secure transactions. In a smart speaker, the STM32MP257FAE3 can process voice commands, stream audio, and control smart home devices. The device's low power consumption is beneficial for always-on consumer devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32MP257FAE3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32MP257FAE3 | STM32MP257FAE3 | STM32MP257FAE3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TFBGA-448 | TFBGA-448 | TFBGA-448 | TFBGA-448 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Core Processor | Dual Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 | Dual Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 | Dual Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 | Dual Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 |
| Max Clock Frequency | 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 Size | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V, 3.3V | 1.8V, 3.3V | 1.8V, 3.3V | 1.8V, 3.3V |
| Security Features | Secure Boot, Crypto, TrustZone | Secure Boot, Crypto, TrustZone | Secure Boot, Crypto, TrustZone | Secure Boot, Crypto, TrustZone |
Key Differentiators
- Higher performance than STM32MP157 (vs STM32MP157)
- Support for DDR4/LPDDR4 memory (vs STM32MP157)
- Advanced security features (vs STM32MP157)
Design Notes
The STM32MP257FAE3 requires multiple power rails (1.8V core, 3.3V I/O, and possibly 1.2V for DDR). Proper power sequencing is critical: the core voltage must be applied before the I/O voltage to avoid latch-up. Use a dedicated PMIC or LDOs with enable pins to control sequencing. Decouple each rail with 100nF and 10uF capacitors placed close to the power pins.
For high-speed interfaces like DDR4 and Ethernet, maintain controlled impedance traces and minimize trace lengths. Use a solid ground plane and avoid splitting it under the BGA. Place decoupling capacitors on the bottom side of the PCB directly under the BGA to reduce parasitic inductance. Follow ST's layout guidelines in the application note AN5122.
The STM32MP257FAE3 can dissipate significant power under heavy load. The TFBGA-448 package has a thermal resistance of [DATA_NEEDED] °C/W. Ensure adequate thermal vias and a copper pour on the PCB to dissipate heat. For high-performance applications, consider adding a heatsink or active cooling. Monitor junction temperature to stay within the -40°C to +125°C range.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per ST product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. REACH compliance is assumed based on ST's general compliance.
