STMicroelectronics ST2100TR

Overview

ST2100TR from STMicroelectronics is a broadband powerline communication (BB PLC) System-on-Chip (SoC) designed for high-throughput audio/video streaming over AC mains wiring. It integrates an ARM926EJ-S™ 32-bit RISC CPU running at 333 MHz, configurable HomePlug AV/1.0 and Green PHY™ PHY/MAC hardware engines, and an integrated analog front-end with programmable gain amplifier (−12 dB to +48 dB), ADC/DAC, and 2.5 V AFE regulator - enabling direct coupling to powerline channels in consumer gateways and in-house AV distribution systems.

For engineers reviewing the ST2100TR datasheet, ST2100TR pinout, ST2100TR application, or ST2100TR equivalent, this SoC supports Linux® via its MMU and cache architecture, delivers real-time AV traffic handling with IEEE 802.1-AS and 802.1-Qav Ethernet extensions, and provides cryptographic acceleration for AES-128/192/256, DES/TDES, and SHA-256 - critical for secure smart grid and home automation deployments.

Technical Context

The ST2100TR implements a multilayer AMBA system bus with weighted round-robin arbitration, enabling parallel data flows between CPU, DMA, Ethernet, USB, PCIe/SATA, and PLC modem subsystems. Its memory subsystem features a multiport DDR/DDR2 controller supporting 166 MHz mobile DDR and 333 MHz DDR2, with local FIFOs to reduce latency and dedicated ports for high-bandwidth peripherals.

Its application subsystem combines a configurable hardware engine for HomePlug PHY/MAC layers with an integrated analog front-end including zero-crossing comparator, 2.5 V AFE regulator, and programmable gain amplifier - all synchronized to the PLC channel timing. The cryptographic coprocessor operates as a DMA-based programmable engine supporting ECB/CBC/CTR AES modes and HMAC-SHA-256, offloading security processing from the ARM926EJ-S core.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ST2100TR is housed in a TFBGA package measuring 12 mm × 12 mm × 1.2 mm with 0.5 mm ball pitch and 373 total I/O balls (324 signal + 49 power/ground). Pin functions are organized into dedicated groups (e.g., DDR, PCIe/SATA, USB, AFE, MCLK/RTC) and multiplexed MFIOs (up to 104 pins), with 40 GPIOs supporting interrupt, PWM, and double-PWM capabilities.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar broadband powerline communication SoC applications.

Compared with INT6400 and AR7400, the ST2100TR uniquely integrates AFE, Green PHY™ hardware, JPEG/TS acceleration, and Linux-ready MMU in one die - making it the only option that simultaneously satisfies secure smart grid reporting, real-time AV distribution, and edge video analytics within a single-chip footprint.

Availability

ST2100TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart gateways, home AV distribution systems, smart grid nodes, and video surveillance hubs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for ST2100TR 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, with design centers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The STreamPlug product line - including the ST2100TR - was engineered specifically for broadband powerline communication in residential and light-industrial environments, emphasizing integration of PLC PHY/MAC, AFE, and application processors to reduce system BOM and simplify certification.

FAQ

What operating systems are supported on the ST2100TR?

The ST2100TR includes a Memory Management Unit (MMU) and 16 KB instruction/data caches, enabling full Linux kernel 3.x+ support with Yocto Project BSPs. It also runs bare-metal firmware and uClinux variants; ST provides validated Linux distributions with drivers for Ethernet, USB, PCIe, and HomePlug stack integration.

Does the ST2100TR require external memory to operate?

Yes - the ST2100TR contains 48 KB boot ROM and 8 KB on-chip SRAM but requires external DDR/DDR2 memory (via its 16-bit controller) for Linux operation or AV streaming buffers. NAND/NOR Flash is mandatory for firmware storage; minimum recommended configuration is 128 MB DDR2 and 256 MB NAND.

How is powerline analog front-end calibration performed?

Calibration is handled through register-controlled sequences in the AFE block: PGA gain is set digitally across −12 dB to +48 dB in 1 dB steps; ZC comparator offset is trimmed via 6-bit DAC; ADC/DAC linearity is corrected using factory-programmed lookup tables stored in OTP memory.

Can the ST2100TR function as both a HomePlug AV coordinator and station?

Yes - its configurable hardware engine supports full HomePlug AV 1.0/AV specification compliance, allowing it to operate as either coordinator (central controller) or station (client node) depending on firmware configuration and runtime MAC layer initialization.