14 September 2009
Compatible devices deliver scalable performance and features
STMicroelectronics has begun volume production of microcontrollers which combine the company's 8bit architecture with its recently announced ultra low power innovations.
These have been designed to save power in active modes as well as when idle. The STM8L product family comprises 26 devices in three lines spanning a spectrum of performance and function.
ST says that the new devices enable increased performance and capability of end products while satisfying market driven requirements such as end user demands for 'greener' products and longer battery life in portable devices. Designers can also choose the microcontrollers to comply with low power product design guidelines such as Energy Star, the IEA 1-Watt Plan, or the EU's EuP directive.
The three STM8L lines are built on ST's ultra low power technology platform using a dedicated, proprietary 130nm process optimised for ultra low leakage. Features include full cpu performance up to the maximum operating frequency throughout the entire supply voltage (Vdd) range, from 1.65 to 3.6V. Using an on chip regulator, power consumption is independent of Vdd, thereby providing extra flexibility and simplifying design.
Other innovations include low power embedded nonvolatile memory and multiple power management modes including a 5.4µA low power run mode, 3.3µA low power wait mode, 1µA active halt and 350nA halt mode. The device can wake from halt within 4µs, enabling frequent use of the lowest-power mode. Low power peripherals including the sub-1µA RTC and automatic wake up (AWU) unlock further savings. Overall, this platform is said to enable dynamic current consumption as low as 150µA/MHz.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.st.com
Companies
STMicroelectronics
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