STMicroelectronics Squeezes Enhanced 512-kbit I2C and SPI Low-Voltage Serial EEPROMs into Very Small Packages

1.8V operation and small package benefit all parameter storage applications
Geneva / 09 Mar 2005

Geneva, March 9, 2005 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in serial non-volatile memory ICs, today introduced two 1.8V-operation 512-kbit EEPROM devices in a TSSOP8 package for I2C (Intelligent Interface Controller) and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus applications.

The M95512 and M24512 are the latest devices to use ST’s advanced 1.65V, 0.18-micron EEPROM process technology, which makes the company the first to fit a large EEPROM density of 512 kbits into a small and thin package (4.5 x 3.1mm). The introduction of the TSSOP8 package, combined with 1.8V operation, enables many manufacturers to reduce board space as well as offer slimmer and lighter end-products.

These new EEPROMs will be used in applications that have a large amount of rapidly changing parameter data, such as video-game systems and electronic toys, digital cameras, car radios, navigation, pagers, set-top boxes, digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players/recorders and other portable consumer applications. PC servers, printers and portable scanners will also benefit, as well as medical equipment and communications systems.

The new M95512, which is compatible with the SPI bus serial interface, offers high speed frequency (10MHz and above) with a 5ms Write time. The M24512 features an I2C serial interface with a 400kHz clock rate. Both devices operate in two voltage ranges: 1.8V to 5.5V; and 2.5V to 5.5V.

In addition to the TSSOP8, the M95512 and M24512 also come in the S08 Narrow (150mm) package, and use ST’s ECOPACK Pb-free technology for RoHS-compliance (the EU’s Restriction on Use of Hazardous Substances Directive). These memories are specified for the -40 to +85 degrees C operating temperature range. Minimum data retention is 40 years and write endurance is 100,000 cycles.

The M95512 in TSSOP8 is already sampling and available in volume; the M24512 is planned to sample and to be in production by Q2 2005. Prices start at $1.60 for the M95512 and $1.45 for the M24512, both in quantities of 10,000.

ST’s serial EEPROM family roadmap for 2005 also includes a 1-Mbit density in an SO8 package and a 256-kbit device in TSSOP8 and S08 packages. For further information on ST’s extensive range of serial EEPROMs

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.