STMicroelectronics Introduces STM8S Microcontrollers, Bringing Advanced 8-bit Core and Platform Scalability to Industrial Applications

GENEVA (Map) - GENEVA, June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in microcontrollers, has added new 8-bit MCUs using its next-generation STM8 core, by introducing the STM8S family specified for the industrial temperature range. The new MCUs combine the core's high speed, performance and code efficiency with versatile peripherals, including a number of specific features for robustness and reliability. Integrated memory, including true EEPROM, simplifies emulation. The STM8S family lowers system cost and development time and increases performance in industrial and appliance applications.

The 8-bit STM8 core has a 32-bit memory interface and three-stage pipeline, achieving 20 MIPS peak processing performance at 24MHz. A stack pointer and 16-bit index registers enhance manipulation of tables, and the core's 16 Mbytes of linear memory address space streamlines paging operations above 64 Kbytes. In addition, improvements to stack-pointer operations, supplemental addressing modes and new instructions boost support for C programming and real-time performance to increase code density and processor efficiency.

"The 32-bit STM32 and 8-bit STM8 families are the foundations on which our microcontroller portfolio will grow, to address the majority of current and future market needs," said Jim Nicholas, General Manager of ST's Microcontroller Division. "This new STM8 family of 8-bit microcontrollers ticks all the boxes, in terms of performance, peripherals and reliability, to offer a leading-edge solution for industrial and appliance applications."

Alongside the advantages of the STM8 core, the STM8S family includes large on-chip Flash memory with variants from 4 Kbytes to 128 Kbytes. The integrated EEPROM delivers performance comparable to external EEPROM, with real-time read-while-write capability and minimum 300,000 write-cycle durability.

Developers using the STM8S family can take advantage of software and package-in-package compatibility within the family, as well as peripheral compatibility throughout ST's MCU families including the 32-bit STM32 series. This compatibility promotes platform design and provides access to a large catalog of functions including 16-bit advanced control timers with configurable modes, capture/compare functions, PWM controllers, and interfaces including U(S)ARTs, SPI, I2C and CAN 2.0B. Other integrated features save footprint and component count in industrial applications, including an accurate internal 16MHz RC oscillator saving the need for an external clock source, Power On Reset (POR) and Brown-Out Reset (BOR) eliminating external reset circuitry, and high current-injection immunity saving the need for external protection.

In addition to specific features for reliability and robustness, such as dual independent watchdogs, a clock security system, complementary copy of configuration option bytes, and EMS reset, the STM8S family also includes in-application programming and in-circuit programming, as well as single-wire debug using the industry's most advanced in-circuit-debugging module. In addition, four low-power modes help developers implement responsive power management schemes in applications such as home appliances and personal-care equipment, battery-operated devices, power tools, HVAC equipment, motor controllers and circuit breakers. The supply voltage range from 3.0V to 5.5V also simplifies development and eases upgrading of legacy designs.

The STM8S development environment supports high-end emulators that include complex functions such as code profiling and coverage, as well as low-cost debugging tools offering free IDEs and free 16-Kbyte versions of C compilers. Numerous reference examples in firmware, together with a dedicated library compliant to class B of the IEC60335 standard, are included to help developers meet the certification process for new safety regulations.

The STM8S family is available in a wide range of package styles including 32-pin to 80-pin LQFPs, 20-pin to 48-pin QFNs and a 20-pin TSSOP. Prices begin at less than $1.00 in the LQFP32 package with 32 Kbytes of on-chip Flash, in quantities of 10,000 pieces. The STM8S family is currently sampling to lead customers -- wider sample availability will follow shortly.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2007, the Company's net revenues were $10 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.