STMicroelectronics Introduces New Fast and Efficient Serial EEPROM; Faster and More Efficient, the New M95256 SPI EEPROM Is Available in Standard and Automotive Ranges

    GENEVA--March 28, 2002--STMicroelectronics has introduced a new version of its M95256 SPI EEPROM that is faster, more efficient and now, also available in standard and automotive temperature ranges.
    The M95256 EEPROM is recognized as a reference standard in the industry and is used in a broad range of applications in telecom, computer and automotive.
    ST has enhanced the features of the M95256 in several areas to offer a high-efficiency product. Firstly, it has doubled the clock rate from 5MHz to 10MHz (for the 5V devices) and from 2MHz to 5MHz (for the 2.5V devices); secondly by programming in 5ms instead of 10ms; and thirdly by packaging it in a S08 Narrow (150mils body width), the smallest package proposed for this capacity. As a result, the entire SPI EEPROM portfolio from ST offers the same footprint from 1Kbit to 256Kbit.
    In addition, in the standard version, the M95256 offers a temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C. Now, this device is available in the automotive temperature range (-40 to +125 degrees C) with a 5MHz clock speed and programming in 5ms. This level of improvement, for the M95256-3 for example, opens the door to emerging telematics and high-end powertrain applications.
    The device is accessed through a fast-speed serial SPI bus with a supply voltage 2.5 to 5.5V. Other voltages (1.8V-3.6V) are planned in the near future.
    The combination of features makes the M95256xx series exceptionally well suited for use in automotive applications such as transmission, engine control units, telematic equipment, and navigation systems. Other applications include mobile communications, ADSL and printers.
    Engineering samples of the M95256-W are already available and mass production is expected in Q2, 2002.
    Further information on these and other EEPROM devices from ST is available at www.st.com/eeprom

    About STMicroelectronics

    STMicroelectronics, the world's third largest independent semiconductor company, 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 2001, the Company's net revenues were $6.36 billion and net earnings were $257.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.