Unlocking Next-Gen Performance with the STM32H5 Microcontroller

At Genesys Electronics Design, we’re always exploring new microcontrollers that deliver top-tier performance without adding unnecessary complexity to development. As embedded design specialists, we constantly evaluate emerging silicon technologies to ensure our clients’ products stay ahead in performance, efficiency, and reliability.

Recently, the STM32H5 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics caught our attention for its unique balance of processing power, security, and design flexibility. It’s a compelling choice for a wide range of modern applications, from industrial automation systems to medical and IoT edge devices that demand both performance and trust.

In this article, we’ll explore why the STM32H5 stands out and how our engineers at Genesys have applied it in real-world projects to push the limits of embedded performance.

Real-World Use: ManuFlo System

At Genesys, we don’t just explore new components, we integrate them into real-world systems. The STM32H5 sits at the core of the ManuFlo System, a suite of industrial products designed to manage real-time measurement and control tasks with precision and reliability.

The STM32H5 was selected for its rich peripheral set and excellent communication capabilities, enabling seamless coordination between multiple devices in the system. During development, one of the key challenges was managing several communication interfaces simultaneously while maintaining low latency and real-time accuracy. The STM32H5 simplified the system architecture by offering efficient peripheral management and fast data throughput, keeping the design simple and robust.

From a hardware perspective, it provided an ideal balance between performance, simplicity, and scalability. Running at up to 250 MHz, the STM32H5 allows the ManuFlo system to process high-frequency sensor data, perform control operations, and update displays in real time. The result is improved responsiveness, timing precision, and overall system stability.

“The STM32H5 gave us exactly what we needed: great processing power, flexible peripherals, and straightforward integration with our communication stack,” explains one of the Genesys firmware engineers involved in the project.

In practice, the MCU’s stability and peripheral versatility make it well suited for industrial environments where temperature variation, electrical noise, and continuous uptime are critical factors. By leveraging the STM32H5, the ManuFlo team achieved smoother data flow, reduced latency, and improved operational reliability.

With the STM32H5 proven in production, let’s take a closer look at what makes this microcontroller stand out as a platform for modern embedded design.

Why the STM32H5 Stands Out

After extensive testing and deployment in production systems like ManuFlo, several features of the STM32H5 stood out to our engineering team. Its performance, security, and connectivity make it a strong foundation for embedded designs that demand reliability and speed.

1. Blazing Performance with Arm® Cortex®-M33

   250 MHz clock speed handles complex algorithms and real-time tasks with ease.

   Expanded flash (up to 2 MB) and RAM (up to 640 KB) for high-demand applications.

   Efficient power management enables high-performance systems without unnecessary energy draw.

   This level of performance allows systems like the ManuFlo controller to perform high-frequency data sampling, update displays in real time, and manage multiple communication channels without lag. It is also ideal for motor control, AI at the edge, and high-speed data processing.

   
   

2. Built-In Security You Can Trust

   ST’s Secure Manager provides hardware-based secure boot, cryptographic acceleration, and tamper detection.

   TrustZone® for Armv8-M isolates critical code from less-secure functions.

   Secure Firmware Update (SFU) ensures protection during over-the-air updates.

   These features make the STM32H5 ideal for medical devices, payment systems, and industrial controllers where reliability and safety are non-negotiable.

   
   

3. Rich Peripheral Set for Versatile Designs

   High-speed USB 2.0 OTG, CAN FD, and Ethernet support flexible connectivity.

   Advanced analog (16-bit ADCs, 12-bit DACs) enables precision sensing.

   Flexible memory interfaces (Octo-SPI, SDMMC) simplify data logging and external storage.

   In practice, these peripherals make it ideal for communication-heavy systems where every interface must be used efficiently. The same features also make it suitable for smart sensors, gateways, and edge computing platforms.

   
   

4. Future-Proof with ST’s Ecosystem

   STM32Cube tools simplify configuration and code generation.

   FreeRTOS and Azure RTOS support accelerate real-time development.

   Long-term availability and ST’s 10-year supply commitment reduce redesign risks.

   
   
   
   

Together, these capabilities enable shorter development cycles, greater energy efficiency, and confidence in long-term product support, all essential for industrial, medical, and IoT applications.

STM32H5 Architecture

Real-World Applications Where the STM32H5 Shines

The STM32H5’s versatility allows it to power a wide range of embedded applications that demand reliability, speed, and security.

• Industrial Automation: Enables predictive maintenance and real-time analytics through high-frequency data acquisition.

• Medical Devices: Provides secure and stable embedded control with accuracy and traceability.

• Smart Energy: Powers advanced metering and monitoring systems requiring efficiency and connectivity.

• Consumer IoT: Supports secure edge AI for voice, image, and environmental sensing.

  
  

By combining robust security, real-time processing, and efficient power management, the STM32H5 simplifies complex system architectures across these sectors, translating into faster development, better field performance, and lower maintenance costs.

How Genesys Electronics Design Maximises the STM32H5

At Genesys, we go beyond simply using the STM32H5, we push it to its limits to deliver real-world value. Our engineering team applies a fine-tuned balance of performance, security, and efficiency to make the most of this powerful microcontroller.

Optimised firmware: Leveraging the STM32H5’s full performance without wasted cycles.

Security-first development: Implementing secure boot, encrypted communication, and safe update mechanisms.

Power-efficiency tuning: Balancing speed and energy use for industrial and portable designs.

These engineering practices ensure every STM32H5-based product we deliver is stable, responsive, and production-ready. From prototyping to final validation, our team ensures each design operates at peak performance in its intended environment.

Ready to Power Your Next Design?

Thinking of using the STM32H5 in your next project?

Get in touch with Genesys Electronics Design and discover how our team can help you harness its full potential, from concept and rapid prototyping to firmware integration and production-ready validation. We’ll ensure your design achieves the performance, reliability, and scalability it deserves.