The new MCUs are available in 8-pin SO, DIP, and DFN packages. The DFN version is the smallest 8-pin MCU in the market thanks to the 0.9 mm thickness package with a surface area of only 15.75mm(2). The new micros integrate key system peripherals like an enhanced 12-bit auto-reload timer with PWM output, 8-bit Lite timer with input capture capability, very fast 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels, and an internal RC oscillator. The devices have 1Kbyte program memory and are qualified over the -40 to +125 degrees C extended temperature range.

Motor control applications in particular can benefit from the auto-reload timer, which operates over the 250Hz to 4MHz frequency range, generating a PWM signal with output compare function.

The 8-bit Lite timer includes prescaler, watchdog, real-time base and input capture. A trimmable 8MHz RC oscillator offers multiple prescaler ratios, and an additional 32kHz low power Auto Wake-Up oscillator operates alongside the five power-saving modes: Halt, Auto Wake-Up from Halt, Active Halt, Wait and Slow. The five working modes provide very high flexibility in minimizing the overall power consumption in power critical applications.

Development support is available through a complete set of hardware and software toolchains from ST and third parties. Low cost tools such as ST's Stick Programmer and the Raisonance ReVA Evaluation kit and R-link USB Debugging and Programming Tool will enable developers to rapidly and efficiently create, build and debug low-cost MCU-based systems. These tools integrate easily with the free ST7 C compiler from Cosmic (up to 16K code size free of charge), and are supported by ST's free STVD7 Software IDE.

ST's ST7Lite family is a full range of entry level 8-bit Flash microcontrollers intended for cost-sensitive applications, now available from 8-pin to 20-pin variants. They provide outstanding flexibility at every stage of the development cycle, from the first prototype to production, ensuring reduced cost of ownership and fast time to market. All the MCUs use the same single-voltage Flash technology and are programmed using the same tools. Further products in this family will be introduced during 2006.

The 8-pin ST7FLITEUS SO, DIP and DFN samples and tools are available now; volume production will start in Q2 '06. Pricing for 10,000 units starts at US$0.45.

    This press release is also available at

    http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p1768.htm

    ... with links to further information on the ST7FLITEUS.

    About ST's Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group

STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.

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 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.

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