STMicroelectronics STR710-EVAL

Overview

STR710-EVAL from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board built around the STR710FZ2T6 ARM7TDMI 32-bit microcontroller running at 48 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash, 64 KB SRAM, USB 1.1 device interface, CAN transceiver (L9615/L9616 or L9669), and RS232 serial ports - designed for rapid prototyping of industrial control and automotive communication systems.

For engineers reviewing the STR710-EVAL datasheet, STR710-EVAL pinout, STR710-EVAL application, or STR710-EVAL equivalent, this board serves as a complete hardware reference for STR71x-series flash MCUs, supporting JTAG debug, external memory expansion, LCD/LED interaction, and real-time peripheral validation including CAN bus timing, USB enumeration, and UART loopback testing.

Technical Context

The STR710-EVAL implements a full-featured ARM7TDMI-based development platform with dual asynchronous serial interfaces (UART0 fixed to RS232-A; UART1/2 switchable to RS232-B), a configurable CAN physical layer via jumper-selectable transceivers (L9615/L9616 for high-speed or L9669 for low-speed), and dedicated USB 1.1 device functionality using a separate 48 MHz oscillator. The board's EMI interface maps 4 MB SRAM (bank 1) and 4 MB flash (bank 0) into the STR710FZ2T6's external memory space at 0x62000000 and 0x60000000 respectively.

It integrates a 2×16 character LCD driven via parallel EMI interface, I²C EEPROM (8 kbit), SPI serial flash (1 Mbit), analog input via variable resistor (0–2.5 V), and 17 software-controllable LEDs mapped to PIO pins. Boot mode selection is managed through three micro-switches (SW13–SW15) enabling execution from internal flash, internal RAM, boot flash, or external memory.

Key Specifications

Availability

STR710-EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation prototyping, automotive CAN network evaluation, and embedded USB device development requiring stable component supply and long-term design support.

Supply support for STR710-EVAL 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 manufacturer headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and producing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STR710-EVAL belongs to ST's STR71x evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of its ARM7-based flash microcontrollers in real-time control, fieldbus communication, and resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

Does STR710-EVAL support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

No, STR710-EVAL supports only classical CAN 2.0A/B protocol via its on-board transceiver options (L9615/L9616 or L9669). The STR710FZ2T6 MCU lacks native CAN FD controller logic, and no firmware or hardware upgrade path enables CAN FD operation on this board.

Can the STR710FZ2T6 be programmed directly via USB without a JTAG emulator?

No - the STR710-EVAL does not implement USB-based device programming (e.g., DFU or vendor-specific bootloader over USB). Firmware loading requires a standard 20-pin JTAG interface (CN9) connected to a compatible in-circuit emulator; USB is strictly for device-mode data exchange.

What is the purpose of the prototype area, and what are its electrical characteristics?

The prototype area (GD1) is a 2.54 mm pitch × 2.54 mm pitch grid of 1 mm plated-through holes, unpopulated and electrically isolated from main circuitry. It supports wire-wrap, point-to-point soldering, or breakout modules but provides no active pull-ups, level-shifting, or signal conditioning - all signals must be routed manually from nearby test points or headers.

Is the onboard 2×16 LCD compatible with standard HD44780 controllers?

No - the LCD (LCD1) connects directly to the STR710FZ2T6's EMI parallel interface in 8-bit mode, not via an HD44780-compatible serial or 4-bit parallel interface. It requires custom initialization and timing sequences aligned with the STR71x EMI LCD register mapping (address 0x64000000), and no onboard controller translates commands.