Mixed Signal IC expands mobile platform system resources.
Press Release Summary:
Suited for use in portable multimedia devices, Xpander Logic ICs help overcome limited I/O ports in MCU- and microprocessor-based embedded systems by taking on any existing or additional I/O-intensive tasks on CPU. With them, existing system processor can use range of intelligent functions through standard and high-speed I²C serial peripheral interface: keypad controller, PWM LED brightness controller, and 3-wire rotating-wheel controller.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Launches Simple and Flexible Solution to Expand System Resources in Mobile Platforms
Geneva, March 16, 2007 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leader in high-performance analog and mixed-signal products, today introduced the new Xpander Logic family to help customers overcome the limited number of Input/Output (I/O) ports in microcontroller and microprocessor-based embedded systems. Any existing or additional I/O-intensive tasks on the central processing unit (CPU) can be now reassigned to the Xpander Logic IC that operates off ultra-low power and comes in a very small package, making it ideal for portable multimedia devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and personal digital assistants.
The Xpander Logic family allows the existing system processor to use a wide range of intelligent functions through a standard and high-speed Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) serial peripheral interface. These intelligent features include a keypad controller, supporting 96 keys maximum, and a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) controller, able to adjust the brightness of the LEDs in addition to performing sophisticated brightness patterns. The Xpander Logic family also offers a 3-wire rotating-wheel controller which supports the increasingly popular rotating wheel interface in portable electronics by detecting the motion of the wheel and providing monitoring/buffering features. The family also integrates an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), allowing the host system to implement a wide range of mixed-signal features while providing an automatic dimming unit that lets the ambient light sensor control a backlight unit without CPU intervention.
All these features are achieved through a minimum change on the existing microprocessor or microcontroller firmware. As a result, the family is a very flexible and cost-competitive solution to expand system resources if compared to the complex implementation of larger and more expensive CPU or programmable logic devices in the embedded system.
A further benefit of the Xpander Logic family for users is the high optimization for micro-power operation and the advanced power-management support that helps modern portable systems preserve and extend battery life.
In production now, the devices are housed in very small packages (QFN16, microTFBGA25 and microTFBGA36). The Xpander Logic STMPE2401 provides all the above-mentioned intelligent functions in a microTFBGA36 package, while the STMPE801 performs the basic I/O expander function in a QFN16 package. The STMPE2401 and STMPE801 cost $1.5 and $0.80, respectively, in 100,000 unit quantities.
Further information is available at www.st.com/xpanderlogic
This press release is also available at st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2007/p2144.htm.....with links to further information on the Xpander Logic STMPE2401 and STMPE801
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 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
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Carol Brown
STMicroelectronics
US Media Relations
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