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32-Mbit Flash Memory Chip from STMicroelectronics Meets Demands of Digital Consumer |
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 Geneva, February 11, 2002 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced the M58LW032A, a 32-Mbit Flash memory chip that combines all the key features needed to meet the demands of today's increasingly complex digital consumer products. The introduction is a milestone along STMicroelectronics' roadmap for achieving multibit-cell compatible technology Flash memory devices of up to 256-Mbit.Among the key specifications of the feature-rich M58LW032A are its 56MHz synchronous data bursts, a 16-bit wide data bus, a 2.7 to 3.6V Vdd operation voltage plus a separated Vddq I/O buffers power supply from 1.8V to Vdd. Applications for the M58LW032A include digital consumer products such as set-top boxes, digital video disk players, car navigation systems, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, camcorders and printers. The device is also well suited for use in network routers and related equipment. Like other Flash memory chips, the M58LW032A can store data, but its high performance also allows direct execution of stored code, precluding the need for a separate RAM. In addition to its synchronous read bursts of up to 56MHz, the M58LW032A also performs asynchronous 90ns/25ns page mode read, 90ns random access, and address-latch-controlled read operations. These high speeds, coupled with the M58LW032A's 16-bit data bus, give designers the high data rates they seek. To meet the low voltages of today's logic circuits, the M58LW032A performs all operations, including programming and erasing, from a 2.7V to 3.6V supply voltage. Moreover, to effortlessly match the I/O requirements of connecting devices, the M58LW032A accepts I/O signals ranging from 1.8V to the supply voltage. In addition to these technical specifications, the M58LW032A boasts an impressive list of features and functions designed to simplify the product designer's job. Among these features is a 16-word write-buffer that lets a microprocessor program from one to 16 words in parallel, speeding programming while freeing the processor for other tasks. To simplify system design, the organization of the M58LW032A consists of 64 uniform memory blocks of 32-Kwords (512-Kbit) each. Blocks are independently erasable and programmable, making it possible to erase old data while preserving data that is valid. For data security, individual blocks can be protected from being accidentally erased or programmed. In addition, a single separate enable line, when held low, inhibits all erase and program operations. Another key feature of the M58LW032A is its ability to suspend a programming operation to allow data to be read from any other block. Erase operations can also be suspended for the sake of either reading or programming another block before resuming. The M58LW032A also includes a 128-bit protection register comprising two 64-bit segments. The first segment contains a manufacturer's code, while the second is a user programmable and lockable bit field. The M58LW032A includes a controller that conforms to the Common Flash Interface specification, executing standard JEDEC control commands. Thus, for example, the controller simplifies programming and erasing operations by automatically performing the special tasks required to update the memory contents. The M58LW032A 32-Mbit Flash memory is available in TSOP56 and TBGA64 packages, operates over a temperature range of up to -45° to +85°C, and is rated for more than 100,000 erase and program cycles per block. Samples are available now, with volume quantities scheduled for the second quarter of 2002. Further information on this device can be found on www.st.com/flash About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is the world's third largest independent semiconductor company. The Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronic applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products and industrial automation and control systems. In 2000, the Company's net revenues were $7,813.2 million and net earnings were $1,452.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com |
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