STM32 External Programmable Flash Memory - Is there an external programmable flash drive for STM32?

Question

STM

Good afternoon!
I'm interested in this question: if there is not enough flash memory on the controller, can it be expanded thanks to an external one? I heard about NOR and NAND, as I understand it, the programs need the first one. From the forums of our "foreign" brothers, I realized that there is such a thing as fsmc and that it controls NAND, NOR and RAM.
If it is still possible to connect an external programmable memory, then please tell me in which direction I should look for information.
Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Hello! Can! In principle, the flash inside the MK is no different from the outside. To work with external memory, the fsmc (Flexible static memory controller) peripheral module was made, which connects the memory and the data bus (AHB). Internal memory is organized similarly: Flash -> FLITF (flash memory interface) -> AHB data bus. The only difference in memory controllers is that fsmc has more settings (which is obvious from the name). The fsmc interface is connected via a parallel interface.
Indeed, for storing programs or data that needs frequent access, NOR memory is better suited (higher read / write speed compared to NAND, but the latter has a higher density). I also have external SRAM. Well, if you want everything at once, as well as reduced consumption, and so that the number of rewriting cycles is infinite, then you can pay attention to FRAM memory. True, she also has a number of shortcomings, but they are not related to implementation, but to production technology.
Actually, I recommend that you choose the memory suitable for your tasks in one of the directories ( example ) and connect the legs of the controller and memory according to the datasheets.

Answer 2

You can also look at all sorts of serial flash drives with an I2C or SPI interface. If the planned number of overwrites is small and you need to store some resources, you can pull out the 25F160 from some non-working motherboard. You can also attach an SD/microSD card. The advantages of this solution are that 3-5 processor pins are used, while FSMC uses significantly more.