STMicroelectronics Adds 'Build' and 'Program' Capability to STVD7 Microcontroller Development Software

ST Visual Develop 3.0 is the latest version of the popular STVD7 Integrated Development Environment for ST7 MCU applications, and now provides advanced build, debug, and program features in a single package

GENEVA, June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM - News) has released a major upgrade to its popular STVD7 development software, which supports the ST7 family of 8-bit microcontrollers. 'ST7 Visual Develop 3.0' adds advanced build and programming features to the proven debug tools of earlier versions to provide a complete development environment within a common graphical user interface. The software is available as a free download for ST7 developers from mcu.st.com.

STVD7 is a powerful, yet easy-to-use Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that enables users to build, debug, and program ST7 applications. It runs on a host PC -- under Microsoft Windows® 98, NT®, 2000, and XP operating systems -- which is typically connected to the target application board through an emulator or in-circuit debugging module. By integrating all phases of application development into a single, tailor-made environment, STVD7 allows projects to be developed more efficiently.

Users can now select a specific ST7 MCU for their project at the Build stage, and can tailor and optimize their application code, taking into account the MCU's memory map, pin-out, and registers. The upgrade integrates the ST7 Assembler and Linker toolset, as well as C compilers from Cosmic and Metrowerks. Errors are automatically highlighted in source files. Coordination of the development tools within a common environment allows users to focus their time and energy on creating the application, rather than on resolving tool-compatibility issues.

The graphical interface runs in a single main window with an integrated subset of windows, menus, toolbars, and other elements. This visual environment can be personalized in the new Project Settings interface, with user-defined toolbars and window settings, and saved as a project configuration. A new Workspace environment allows multiple interdependent projects to be managed under global control. The integrated editor, with syntax color highlighting, allows multiple source files to be open simultaneously for editing. Support is available through on-line help.

STVD7 works with existing ST7 Emulators, which add their own advanced debugging features. In addition, the new software has a built-in ST7 simulator which allows development and debugging without the need for emulation hardware; an Input Simulator creates simulated analog and digital signals, and the Simulation Plotter creates an easy-to-navigate graphical display of simulated signals, system variables, or other data. From now on, ST will ship all ST7 development tools with this new release.

The integrated programmer provides access to the full range of ST7 programming tools and can program the MCU with its application code using an emulator with in-circuit programming capability or a dedicated programming tool.

The ST7 microcontroller family is widely used across a broad range of application areas, including three-phase brushless and induction motor control, automotive, and industrial products, lighting control, consumer appliances, and USB devices such as personal Flash memory drives. Most are highly cost-sensitive; ST's new development software will enable products to be created and updated efficiently and in the shortest possible time.

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 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.

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Source: STMicroelectronics