STMicroelectronics STM32MP157A-DK1

Overview

STM32MP157A-DK1 from STMicroelectronics is a Discovery kit based on the STM32MP157AAC3 dual-core Arm Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M4 microprocessor, featuring 4-Gbit DDR3L RAM, 1-Gbps Ethernet (RGMII), USB OTG HS, HDMI®, and ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger - designed for Linux® application development and heterogeneous multicore firmware prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the STM32MP157A-DK1 datasheet, STM32MP157A-DK1 pinout, STM32MP157A-DK1 application, or STM32MP157A-DK1 equivalent, this board supports OpenSTLinux distribution, STM32CubeMP1 firmware, and IDEs including GCC, IAR EWARM, and Keil MDK-ARM - with GPIO expansion for Arduino® Uno V3 and Raspberry Pi® shields.

Technical Context

The STM32MP157A-DK1 implements a heterogeneous architecture where the dual Cortex-A7 cores run Linux® (via OpenSTLinux) for high-level application processing, while the Cortex-M4 core executes real-time tasks using STM32CubeMP1 firmware - coordinated via OpenAMP inter-processor communication. The board integrates STPMIC1 power management IC for regulated voltage rails to MPU, DDR, and peripherals.

It provides native RGMII interface for IEEE-802.3ab-compliant 1-Gbps Ethernet, HDMI® output up to 1080p, MIPI DSI support (though display not included on DK1), and audio I/O via stereo headset jack with analog microphone input - all accessible through standardized connectors and expansion headers.

Key Specifications

Availability

STM32MP157A-DK1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded Linux development, industrial HMI prototyping, and edge AI gateway evaluation requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain support.

Supply support for STM32MP157A-DK1 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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications with emphasis on energy efficiency and system integration.

The STM32MP1 series targets heterogeneous multicore applications requiring Linux-capable processing alongside real-time control - bridging the gap between microcontrollers and application processors for secure, scalable edge devices.

FAQ

What distinguishes STM32MP157A-DK1 from STM32MP157C-DK2?

The STM32MP157A-DK1 features basic security (no Secure Boot or cryptography acceleration) and excludes the 4" TFT LCD, Wi-Fi®, and Bluetooth® Low Energy found on the DK2. It uses the STM32MP157AAC3 MPU and shares the same MB1272 baseboard layout, but lacks the LBEE5KL1DX-883 wireless module and LCD extension board (MB1407).

Does STM32MP157A-DK1 include an integrated display?

No. Unlike the STM32MP157C-DK2, the STM32MP157A-DK1 does not include an LCD or touch panel. It retains the MIPI DSI SM connector for optional display attachment but ships without display hardware - aligning with its role as a cost-optimized Linux development platform.

Which software environments are preloaded and supported?

The STM32MP157A-DK1 ships with demonstration software preloaded on microSD™, including the STM32 MPU OpenSTLinux Distribution (e.g., STM32MP1Starter) for Cortex-A7 and STM32CubeMP1 examples for Cortex-M4. Full support is provided for GCC-based IDEs, IAR EWARM, and Keil MDK-ARM across Windows®, Linux®, and macOS®.

What power supply requirements does the board have?

The STM32MP157A-DK1 requires a 5 V / 3 A USB Type-C™ power supply (not included). Power is delivered via the USB Type-C™ DRP connector, which supports both host and device roles - enabling direct connection to compatible chargers or PCs without external adapters or voltage conversion.