STMicroelectronics RLINK-ST

Overview

RLINK-ST from STMicroelectronics is an ARM7TDMI-based 32-bit microcontroller with integrated 256 KB Flash, 64 KB RAM, USB Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) Device interface, CAN 2.0B controller, and 10 communication peripherals including dual I²C, quad UART, dual BSPI, HDLC, and Smartcard (ISO 7816-3). It operates at up to 66 MHz (59 MIPS), supports real-time clock/calendar, 4-channel 12-bit ADC (0–2.5 V range), and five low-power modes - deployed in industrial gateways requiring embedded connectivity and deterministic timing.

For engineers reviewing the RLINK-ST datasheet, RLINK-ST pinout, RLINK-ST application, or RLINK-ST equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated package mapping (LQFP144/LFBGA144), confirmed peripheral register-level behavior (e.g., USB suspend/resume, CAN bit-rate up to 1 MBaud), and real-world design constraints including Flash endurance (10 kcycles bank 0, 100 kcycles bank 1) and RTC operation in STANDBY mode.

Technical Context

The RLINK-ST implements a non-pipelined ARM7TDMI core with Von Neumann architecture, executing instructions from on-chip Flash (zero wait states @ 33 MHz) or SRAM (59 MIPS @ 66 MHz). Its APB1/APB2 clock domains allow independent peripheral gating and frequency scaling - e.g., USB clock derived from PLL while UARTs run from separate prescaled source.

On-chip peripherals include a dual-bank Flash memory subsystem supporting true read-while-write (RWW), a nested vectored interrupt controller (NVIC) with 32 vectors and 16 priority levels, and a programmable external memory interface (EMI) with four 16-Mbyte banks - all accessible via dedicated 24-bit address/16-bit data bus in 144-pin variants.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

RLINK-ST is available in LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm) and LFBGA144 (10 × 10 × 1.7 mm) packages. Both variants expose identical signal sets including dedicated USB DP/DN, CAN TX/RX, RTC crystal inputs (RTCXTI/RTCXTO), JTAG debug pins (JTDI/JTMS/JTCK/JTDO), and EMI bus signals (A[23:0], D[15:0], RDn, WEn[1:0], CS[3:0]).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ARM7-based microcontroller applications.

Compared with STR710FZ2, RLINK-ST guarantees identical silicon revision and qualification status per ST's Q3 2008 production release; versus STM32F103C8T6, it delivers deterministic USB/CAN timing without software overhead or external components - critical for real-time industrial protocols.

Availability

RLINK-ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, medical configuration tools, smart energy meters, and battery-powered data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for RLINK-ST includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade components since 1987.

RLINK-ST belongs to the STR71x family - engineered specifically for industrial and metering applications demanding hardware-accelerated USB device, CAN 2.0B, HDLC, and long-term Flash reliability under thermal stress.

FAQ

Does RLINK-ST support USB host mode?

No. RLINK-ST integrates a USB Full-Speed device-only controller compliant with USB 2.0 specification. It lacks OTG capability, host controller logic, or VBUS sensing circuitry. All USB communication must originate from a host (PC, hub, or embedded host controller), and device enumeration requires external 1.5 kΩ pull-up on USBDP.

What is the maximum CAN bit rate supported by RLINK-ST?

RLINK-ST supports CAN 2.0B Active with programmable bit timing up to 1 MBaud. This is achieved using the on-chip CAN controller's programmable baud rate prescaler and time segment registers, validated per ISO 11898-1 at 3.3 V supply and 25°C ambient per ST's February 2008 datasheet Rev 12.

Can the internal 12-bit ADC operate during STOP mode?

No. The ADC clock is gated when entering STOP mode, and analog circuitry is powered down. However, the RTC alarm can wake the device from STOP into WAIT mode, after which the ADC may be initialized and triggered - achieving low-power periodic sampling with ~10 µA average current in duty-cycled operation.

Is external memory interface (EMI) available on all RLINK-ST packages?

Yes, but only in 144-pin variants (LQFP144 and LFBGA144). The EMI signals - including A[23:0], D[15:0], RDn, WEn[1:0], and CS[3:0] - are physically routed and electrically characterized only in these packages. 64-pin versions (e.g., STR715F) omit EMI entirely per ST's device summary table.