While checking out MicroPython v1.28 changelog, I noticed a board from WeAct Studio based on ST’s STM32U5 Cortex-M33 microcontroller: the WeAct STM32U585CIU6 Mini Core board (WEACTSTUDIO_MINI_STM32U585 in MicroPython code).
I found it interesting/newsworthy, as while I had written about the initial STM32U5 MCU release in 2021, and followed up with beefier STM32U5 SKUs with NeoChrom 2.5D GPU and up to 4MB flash in 2023, we had yet to cover a third-party board based on an STM32U5 MCU, excluding the Arduino UNO Q SBC running Linux on a Qualcomm QRB2210 MPU and using an STM32U585 for real-time and I/O control. The WeAct STM32U585CIU6 Core Mini changes that as a low-cost, standalone STM32U5 MCU board.
WeAct STM32U585CIU6 Core Mini specifications:
- Microcontroller – ST STM32U585CIU6
- Core – Arm Cortex-M33 Armv8-M core clocked at up to 160 MHz with FPU, Arm TrustZone
- Memory – 768 KB RAM
- Flash – 2048 KB flash
- GPU – Chrom-ART accelerator (DMA2D) for 2D graphics
- Package – UFQFPN48 (7 x 7 mm)
- Storage – Footprint for external flash (W25QxxJVSSIQ)
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Expansion – 2x 20-pin headers with GPIO, 5V, 3.3V, and GND
- Debugging – 4-pin SWD debug header
- Misc
- Boot, Reset, and User buttons
- Power and User (C13) LED
- Power Supply – 5V via USB-C port
- Dimensions – 52.8 x 20.8 mm
The board is not exactly new per se, and WeAct released the PDF schematics, 3D files, the MCU datasheet, and a few code samples on GitHub in 2024. Since then, AliExpress users have left feedback confirming good support for the Arduino and STM32Cube IDEs:
Overall review: A very powerful mcu — highly recommended. Details: Fast shipping: delivered to algiers within 11 days. Packaging is poor; for this price, it should come with a plastic protective box. The included pin headers are low quality; i replaced them with black headers. The board comes with a preinstalled bootloader, so there’s no need to buy an st-link or uart module. Out of the box, it blinks the built-in led and prints the date to the serial monitor. I successfully programmed it using arduino ide without any issues. I tested it for temperature monitoring using 4 ntc thermistors and an ads1115 (wiring and code are shown in the provided images). I also programmed it using stm32cubeide; led blinking worked perfectly. I strongly recommend this board.
Another user connected the board to an original ST-LINK-v2 and tested some basic demos, all working properly. With the release of MicroPython v1.28, there’s now another option for the WeAct STM32U585CIU6 Core Mini board.
The WeAct STM32U585CIU6 Core Mini sells for under $8 on AliExpress, including shipping (I even get offered a welcome deal for $2.54), and if it runs out of stock on the official store, another AliExpress seller offers it for about the same price. It’s quite cheaper than ST’s NUCLEO-U5A5ZJ-Q board ($27.59), which admittedly has quite a few extra features and resources (2.5MB SRAM/4MB flash).
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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