STMicroelectronics STR730-EVAL

Overview

STR730-EVAL from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the STR730FZ2T7 ARM7TDMI 32-bit flash microcontroller, operating at up to 36 MHz with 256 KB on-chip flash and 16 KB RAM. It integrates CAN and RS232 interfaces, a 2×16 LCD display, SPI/I²C EEPROMs, LEDs, push buttons, piezo buzzer, analog inputs (LM35 temperature sensor and variable resistor), and JTAG debug port - enabling rapid prototyping of industrial control and embedded communication systems.

For engineers reviewing the STR730-EVAL datasheet, STR730-EVAL pinout, STR730-EVAL application, or STR730-EVAL equivalent, this board serves as a complete, open-hardware reference platform for validating STR73x peripheral integration, CAN protocol stack development, low-power wake-up behavior, and real-time firmware execution on ARM7TDMI silicon.

Technical Context

The STR730-EVAL implements the STR730FZ2T7 microcontroller in 144-pin TQFP packaging, clocked by an 8 MHz quartz oscillator with on-chip PLL for 36 MHz system operation. It supports dual CAN channels (CAN0/CAN1) via selectable L9669 (fault-tolerant low-speed) or L9616 (high-speed) transceivers, and two independent RS232 UART interfaces (UART0/UART1) routed to D-sub connectors with RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR loopback wiring.

Hardware resources include a GPIO-driven 2×16 LCD interface, 16 software-controllable LEDs (including bi-color PWM outputs), six user-programmable push buttons (NEXT, PREV, SEL, BACK, WAKE-UP, RST), and analog inputs on AIN0 (0–4.5 V variable resistor) and AIN1 (LM35 temperature sensor). Debug is provided through a standard 20-pin JTAG interface compliant with ARM ICE specifications.

Key Specifications

Availability

STR730-EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation prototyping, automotive CAN node evaluation, embedded education labs, and ARM7-based firmware development requiring stable component supply and documented hardware reference design.

Supply support for STR730-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 specializing in microcontrollers, power management, sensors, and automotive ICs, with broad IP portfolio and industrial-grade process technologies.

The STR730-EVAL belongs to ST's legacy ARM7 evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of the STR73x flash MCU series in cost-sensitive, real-time embedded applications requiring CAN, serial, and human-interface peripherals.

FAQ

Does STR730-EVAL support both CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols?

Yes. The STR730FZ2T7 microcontroller on the board implements full CAN 2.0B compliance, supporting both standard (11-bit) and extended (29-bit) identifier frames. Hardware filtering, message buffering, and automatic retransmission are handled by the on-chip CAN controller without CPU intervention.

What is the function of the prototype area on STR730-EVAL?

The prototype area is a 2.54 mm pitch grid of 1 mm plated-through holes (GD1) located near the board edge, intended for wire-wrap or point-to-point soldering of custom circuitry. It provides access to select GPIO pins, power rails (+5 V, GND), and uncommitted MCU signals for hardware extension.

Can the STR730-EVAL be powered from USB or only via external DC adapter?

STR730-EVAL requires an external 5 V DC power supply via CN5 (lump-in cord connector); it does not support USB power. On-board voltage regulators generate internal 3.3 V and 1.8 V rails for I/O and core logic, but no USB interface or power negotiation circuitry is present.

Is the LCD display on STR730-EVAL directly driven by the STR730F or via an external controller?

The 2×16 LCD is directly driven by the STR730F's GPIO pins using a parallel 8-bit interface (LCD_D0–D7, LCD_RS, LCD_RW, LCD_nE), configured in general-purpose I/O mode - no external LCD controller IC is used, enabling full firmware control over timing and display content.