For less than $10, the STM8-SO8-DISCO 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) Discovery Kit from STMicroelectronics lets users evaluate all three STM8 variants currently available in the popular 8-pin SO8 package.

As well as outstanding three-in-one value, the kit offers no-frills simplicity and features to jump-start the next stage of development. There is a single button and indicator LED for interacting with the board, while the embedded STLINK/V2 and USB port simplify in-circuit debugging and programming from a connected PC. The MCUs are soldered onto individual break-offs that can be separated from the compact main board as pluggable DIL-8 modules ready to start prototyping.

The supported MCUs are the STM8S001J3M3, STM8L001J3M3, and STM8L050J3M3. The STM8S001J3M3 delivers affordable performance with features including advanced 16-bit timers with three comparator outputs, three capture-compare channels, a 10-bit ADC, and an 8-bit timer. The ultra-low-power STM8L001J3M3 consumes just 0.3µA in Halt mode and integrates 8- and 16-bit timers and two comparators. Also leveraging ultra-low-power technology, the STM8L050J3M3 adds a 12-bit ADC and 4-channel DMA controller.

The MCUs all feature the state-of-the-art STM8 core running at 16MHz, and 8Kbyte on-chip Flash. System-control features include watchdog and clock control, and popular communication interfaces including UART, SPI, and Fast I²C. With up to six user I/Os, they are ideal for use in industrial sensors, home-automation devices, smart lighting, access cards, battery chargers, or smart printer cartridges.

Competitively priced at just $8.50, the STM8-SO8-DISCO Discovery Kit is available now from st.com or distributors.