New Kits to KickStart Development Work on STMicroelectronics' 32-bit Microcontrollers

Cost-sensitive, high-performance 32-bit applications using ST's new ARM-based microcontrollers will benefit from out-of-the-box evaluation and development capability from IAR Systems

Geneva, August 4, 2005 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has announced availability of cost-effective development kits for its recently introduced STR711F and STR712F 32-bit ARM-based microcontrollers, which are intended for high-performance but cost-sensitive applications, and which offer embedded USB or CAN interfaces. The $299 (Recommended Resale Price) kits from IAR Systems answer a real need in the market for a low-cost, high-quality solution for evaluating the STR7 MCU family and for creating and debugging new applications.

The STR711-SK/IAR and STR712-SK/IAR KickStart kits support all of the normal development phases, and enable designers to move from evaluation to full-scale development with no additional work. They include an evaluation board complete with STR711F or STR712F microcontroller, a USB to JTAG hardware interface for debugging, a 20-state version of the visualSTATE® graphical design environment, and a KickStart version of Embedded Workbench® for ARM (EWARM), IAR's integrated development environment (IDE).

This proven development toolset is fully optimized for the STR7 family. The evaluation board provides a full range of features - including I/O ports, ADC, UART, two SPI and I²C ports, and USB or CAN connector - to help designers to evaluate and start developing applications for the on-board STR71xF MCU. The board is powered through the USB to JTAG interface from the host PC to eliminate the need for an external power supply.

The EWARM integrated development environment includes the KickStart 32KB C/C++ compiler for building the application, and the C-SPY™ debugger for debugging the code while it runs on the evaluation board's STR71xF microcontroller. It also offers complete integration with the J-Link-KS JTAG interface, plus editor, linker and librarian tools, and built-in flash programming, all controlled through a single intuitive user interface. Embedded Workbench is well regarded among developers of 8, 16 and 32-bit systems worldwide, and its ultra-dense code generation makes it ideal for the STR71xF target market.

Debugging of software on the target MCU is enabled by the J-Link-KS USB to JTAG interface - fully integrated with Embedded Workbench - which allows the code to be downloaded to the MCU and debugged while it runs in the application hardware. The interface provides a 5V supply to the target board through the JTAG connector. Initial software design is aided by visualSTATE, a 20-state version of IAR's graphical design environment, which includes a C/C++ code generator for creating application code based on machine states.

The kit is completed by a full set of documentation and firmware, with example projects covering all of the STR711F and STR712F peripherals, STR71xF standard and USB libraries, and a Quick Start guide.

About the STR711F and STR712F

The STR711F and STR712F - based on the industry standard ARM7TDMI 32-bit RISC CPU - are ideal for embedded systems requiring a compact but powerful MCU, and for scalable solutions such as user interfaces, factory automation systems and point-of-sale (POS) applications. They offer best-in-class random access time to Flash memory, making them ideal for real time applications. Both USB (STR711) and CAN (STR712) interfaces are available on-chip, in addition to other common interface standards.

Memory choices include 256 kbytes of code Flash with 64 kbytes of RAM, 128 kbytes of Flash with 32 kbytes of RAM, and 64 kbytes of Flash with 16 kbytes of RAM; both devices include 16 kbytes of data Flash memory. The STR711F and STR712F are part of the STR710F series, which also includes the STR710F device with USB, CAN and an external memory interface. Flexible package options include the compact, low pin count TQFP64, and a 144-pin TQFP144 with external memory bus.

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 2004, the Company's net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.