STMicroelectronics' New 8bit Microcontrollers Reduce Overall Cost of Car Body Applications

New automotive MCU family increases the comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers

GENEVA, Sept. 19 -- STMicroelectronics , a frontrunner in the impressive array of mechanical-electronic solutions which currently drive the automotive industry, today announced a new series of 8-bit microcontrollers providing both flexibility and reliability for a wide variety of cost-sensitive car body applications including wipers, climate control, door locking, sunroof, window lift.

The ST7FL family, featuring an embedded EEPROM memory for parameter storage, a code storage area from 1.5- to 8-Kbytes, and an internal RC oscillator, benefits customers with applications smaller and easier to design.

Based on ST's consolidated ST7 architecture, the new microcontroller includes an EEPROM memory bank to store configuration parameters with a high level of reliability, thus eliminating the need for external devices, minimizing wiring complexity, and reducing the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) area. The contents of the programmable memory can be secured against unauthorized copying by activating a read-out protection mechanism.

Some devices within the family add embedded peripherals such as a Local Interconnect Network Serial Communication Interface (LINSCI(TM)) which enables the smooth implementation of small and cost-effective Local Interconnect Network (LIN) solutions in the automotive sector. The LIN interface, with its auto-synchronization feature, is able to work using an internal RC oscillator as a clock source, thus reducing the need for external components.

With an extensive range of development utilities, including automotive evaluation kit for networking, starter kits, SW drivers for easy LIN implementation, the family enables a very short time to market. Additionally, the in-circuit programming capability of single-voltage Flash technology allows devices to be fast programmed at the end of the assembly line, ensuring flexible stock management for end users.

Offered in the 16-pin SO16, 20-pin SO20, and QFN20 lead-free packages, the ST7FL family fully meets the automotive standards for quality. In production now, in 10000 unit quantities, the ST7FL39, ST7FL19, and ST7FL09 cost $1.00, $0.85, and $0.70 respectively.

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 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com/.