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Hi everyone,
I’m planning a new embedded-system project and I’m considering using the STM32MP151CAA3 system-on-chip (SoC). I picked it because it offers both a full-fledged ARM application processor + a microcontroller core, which seems ideal if I want the power of Linux + the real-time control of an MCU, all on one chip. The datasheet is here.
What appeals to me about this chip is its flexibility: I can run a Linux distribution (for higher-level tasks, networking, UI, complex logic) and at the same time use the built-in MCU side for real-time sensor control, I/O handling, or time-sensitive routines. That way I don’t need separate boards for “brain” and “control”, it’s all integrated.
Here’s my rough project idea: build a compact control + data-logging unit for sensors (temperature, light, maybe some environmental sensors), with optional WiFi / Ethernet connectivity, and a small local interface (maybe LCD + buttons) for configuration and monitoring. The STM32MP151 would run the high-level logic and data storage, while the MCU side handles sensor sampling, real-time interrupts, and low-level control.
What I’d like advice on before I commit:
Power supply: What are good practices to power this SoC, given it’s more complex than simple MCUs? Any recommended voltage rails, decoupling, or startup sequencing to avoid issues?
Boot & OS configuration: If I run Linux + MCU firmware, how stable is this combo? Are there pitfalls with dual-core (application + MCU) sync, memory sharing, or bootloader setup?
Thermal & performance: Since the chip is more powerful than standard MCUs, does it need extra cooling or special layout if I use many peripherals / high CPU load?
Project scale: For a “medium complexity” project (sensors, UI, storage, networking) — is the STM32MP151 overkill or a good match? Are there simpler SoCs that deliver most of the benefits with less complexity?
If anyone here has worked with STM32MP-series chips (or similar hybrid SoCs), I’d love to hear your experiences: what worked, what was tricky, and what you’d do differently if you started over.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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