STMicroelectronics has released its third-generation development board for customers using STM8 and STM32 microcontrollers. The EvoPrimer board is based on the the company's Primer and Primer2 kits that are low-cost, handheld tools for rapid prototyping with the microcontrollers. It also lowers overall tool investment by providing a common base unit with interchangeable microcontrollers or target boards. This flexibility ensures a quick and cost-effective way to evaluate alternatives from the STM8 and STM32 families. The boards support STM8L ultra low-power 8bit microcontrollers, as well as the 32bit STM32F Connectivity and Performance Lines families. Additional target boards will be released for the ultra low-power STM32L and the high-performance STM32 F-2 series featuring 90nm process technology. The boards connect rapidly to functions on board the EvoPrimer base unit, including an LCD touch screen, a joystick, a MEMS accelerometer, a microphone, loudspeaker and jack, a micro SD card connector, and a Li-Ion battery with charge-management circuitry. An integrated extension connector allows extra functions to be integrated. The board is also integrated with the CircleOS operating system, providing services that make it easy for designers to understand the complexities of the microcontroller.
