
AT32F421 Application note
2020.8.17 9 Rev 1.0.0
2 Enhanced functions of AT32F421
2.1 PLL output up to 120 MHz
The AT32F421 series embedded a PLL that can output up to 120 MHz clock. The AT32F421 and
SXX32 F030 series have the same clock sources and configuration procedures. However, there
are some differences related to the product voltage range, PLL configuration, maximum frequency
and Flash wait state configuration.
Thanks to the CMSIS layer, these differences are hidden from the application code; the user only
has to replace the system_sxx32f0xx.c file by system_at32f4xx.c file. This file provides an
implementation of SystemInit() function used to configure the microcontroller system at start-up
and before switching to the main() program.
For more information, refer to AT32F421 PLL setting example:
AT32F4xx_StdPeriph_Lib_V1.x.x\Project\AT_START_F421\Templates中system_at32f4xx.c的
static void SetSysClockTo120M(void) function
2.2 Security library protection
At present, more and more microcontroller applications need to use complex algorithms and
middleware solutions, therefore, how to protect the core algorithms and intellectual property codes
(IP-Code) developed by software solutions providers has become a very important subject in the
microcontroller applications.
In response to this important demand,AT32F403Aseries provide the security library area function to
prevent important IP-Code from being modified or read by end-user programs to achieve protection.
For more information, please refer to
AT32F421 Security Library Application Note
AT32F4xx_StdPeriph_Lib_Vx.x.x\Utilities\AT32F421_SLIB_Demo
2.3 System memory used as extended block of main Flash memory
By default, system memory is used as BOOT mode to store the original factory-programmed
startup code. However, theAT32F421 series has been tasked with new features in which the
system memory can also be used as an extension area of Flash memory (AP mode) to store the
user-defined codes. The system memoryAP mode can only be set once and is irreversible. After
reset, the original system memory BOOT mode cannot be restored. For more information, refer to
AN0066_configure the system memory as main Flash extension block.