EtherCAT STM32F429
Recommended when deterministic Ethernet communication is the first priority. Ideal for servo drives, distributed I/O, and multi-axis motion control where sub-millisecond synchronization is critical.
Model Guide
PLC Replacement by Controller Family
Pick the controller family by balancing real-time protocol needs, compute demand, and target BOM. Each family serves a distinct segment of the PLC replacement market.
| Controller | MCU Core | Key Protocols | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EtherCAT F429 | 180MHz Cortex-M4 | EtherCAT, CAN, RS485, Ethernet | Deterministic real-time control |
| STM32H743 | 480MHz Cortex-M7 | CAN-FD, RS485, Ethernet, USB | Advanced algorithms, DSP, edge AI |
| STM32F407 | 168MHz Cortex-M4 | CAN, RS485, Ethernet | Mainstream PLC replacement |
| STM32F103ZE | 72MHz Cortex-M3 | CAN, RS485 | Cost-optimized volume production |
STM32H7 Series
Suitable for advanced algorithm loads, higher-frequency control loops, and edge processing tasks. The 480MHz Cortex-M7 with dual-precision FPU handles DSP, vision pre-processing, and complex control algorithms that exceed F4 capability.
STM32F4 / F1 Series
Strong cost-performance option for mainstream machine control and high-volume manufacturing. The F407 covers most PLC replacement scenarios while the F103ZE targets maximum cost optimization for simpler control applications.
FAQ
Controller Selection Questions
Is STM32F1 still valid for industrial projects?
Yes, in moderate complexity scenarios where cost and stability are the primary
criteria. The F103ZE is well-suited for high-volume applications with standard control logic requirements.
How to decide between F4 and H7?
Use H7 for heavier algorithms, faster control cycles, and applications requiring
advanced DSP or floating-point computation. F4 offers mainstream control capability at better unit cost for
standard industrial control tasks.
Can one board family cover all projects?
Usually no. Multi-family strategy is common to optimize both performance and BOM
across different product lines. We recommend selecting 2–3 controller families to cover your full range of
applications.