STMicroelectronics Launches World's First Industrial Microcontrollers Based on ARM7 Core

GENEVA -- Oct. 4, 2005 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has introduced the world's first family of ARM-based microcontrollers, the STR730F series, that is specifically designed to address the emerging demand for high-performance, cost-effective and off-the-shelf 32-bit microcontrollers optimised for industrial applications such as factory automation, appliances, test and measurement equipment, point-of-sale terminals, and security systems. A single 5V power rail is the preferred supply configuration for industrial applications that need robust operation, especially in terms of noise immunity, and the STR730F family is the first family of ARM-based microcontrollers to meet this need. In addition, the devices are specified over an extended temperature range of -40 degrees C to +105 degrees C and include a particularly rich set of peripherals tailored for industrial applications, thereby providing further cost reductions in these competitive applications.

The new microcontroller family has been designed to implement the main controller functions in complex industrial applications. For this reason, the devices deliver very high performance via a 32MIPS ARM7TDMI RISC processor core, full-speed (zero wait state) access to up to 256Kbytes of embedded Flash program memory, and a 16-channel DMA facility that significantly reduces the CPU load in complex applications. In addition, the integrated peripherals such as three independent CAN controllers, a fast (35s), 16-channel/10-bit ADC, up to 16 PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) outputs capable of supporting multiple single-phase or three-phase motor-driving requirements, a full complement of industry-standard serial communications interfaces, and a Real-Time Clock, eliminate the need for external peripheral devices in most applications.

"The new STR730F series builds on ST's track record as a world leader in integrating ARM cores into SoC (System-on-Chip) solutions and standard microcontroller products, as well as our long-established expertise in providing full system solutions for our customers in a wide range of industrial markets," said Jim Nicholas, General Manager of ST's Microcontroller Division. "Complementing our existing STR710 devices, the new STR730F family demonstrates yet again ST's unique ability to draw upon the industry's broadest range of process, circuit, system, and applications expertise to deliver a product that is uniquely positioned to satisfy an important emerging demand."

The key features of the STR730F family include the industry-standard, high-performance ARM7 RISC core, which is strongly supported by a wide range of development tools; ST's world-leading embedded Flash memory technology, which is offered in configurations from 64 to 256Kbyte of program memory in the initial family range; a rich set of embedded peripherals; a choice of TQFP144 (20x20), TQFP100 (14x14) and the very small BGA144 (10x10) package options; and power minimization via two embedded voltage regulators and five low-power modes.

Like all ST microcontroller products, the new STR730F family is part of a platform that includes hardware and software evaluation and development aids, as well as comprehensive on-line applications support, including free downloadable software and libraries.

Samples of the STR730F devices are available now, with prices (in 10K quantities) ranging from US$4.53 for the STR736FV0 (TQFP100, 64K memory size, No CAN, 4xUART, and 12xPWM) to US$8.99 for the STR730FZ2 (TQFP144, 256K memory size, 3xCAN, 4xUART, and 16xPWM).

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 http://www.st.com.