STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor supplier serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has released software that simplifies connecting IoT devices built using the latest high-performance STM32H5 microcontrollers (MCUs) to Microsoft Azure IoT Hub.
ST's STM32Cube expansion pack, called X-CUBE-AZURE-H5, consists of a set of libraries and application examples for high-performance STM32H5 series microcontrollers acting as end devices.
The sample application shows secure device-to-cloud connectivity with Azure IoT Hub, including network configuration and data publishing. The application handles Azure dual update messages, methods, and commands. T
Their solution also leverages ST's integrated security software, Secure Manager, to securely connect the STM32H5 to the Microsoft Azure cloud.
“With its next-generation processor architecture and enhanced security, our STM32H5 is ready to power the next generation of IoT devices,” said Daniel Colonna, director of STM32 marketing, STMicroelectronics. “By using the STM32Cube reference implementation, developers can leverage the powerful services offered by Azure IoT Hub to transform data collected from their devices into actionable insights. This can help them make informed decisions, optimize their operations and improve their products and services.”
The STM32H5 MCUs are programmed in ST's own factory to give each one its unique identity. Identity is managed by Secure Manager and allows smart devices to easily and cost-effectively register with Azure IoT Hub without needing to keep their identities secret during object production.
Devices in production, as well as those in the field, can also benefit from remote provisioning and credential administration through third-party service providers. Secure Manager stores the credentials required to connect to Azure IoT Hub, as well as other device secrets and assets, within the STM32H5 MCU.
Secure Manager provides isolation properties that make it easy to protect the intellectual property of multiple owners on the same platform, also known as multi-tenant IP protection. From development to manufacturing and when deployed in the field, all aspects of protecting the confidentiality and integrity of these important assets contributed by developers and partners are covered.
This also works well with use cases involving AI inference, where models run on edge devices with the benefit of ST's Secure Manager protection, while training and secure updating are managed by the cloud. The STM32Trust TEE Secure Manager simplifies implementing strong security.
“With the advanced security features of the STM32H5 chip, it simplifies the process for developers to securely provision and manage high-performance IoT devices, ensuring secure device-to-cloud connectivity with Azure IoT Hub,” said Kam VedBrat, GM, Microsoft's Azure IoT. Corp.
The combination of ST's STM32Cube ecosystem and STM32H5 microcontrollers provides developers with a powerful and secure platform to build IoT applications that meet applicable regulations and standards. The STM32H5 series, launched in March 2023, are the first STM32 MCUs to support ST's Secure Manager. The devices target PSA Certified level 3 and SESIP3 certifications.
