STMicroelectronics claims a first with its ARM Cortex-M3 processor-based STM32 microcontrollers with flash devices fabricated on 90nm process technology.
There is limited sampling in the fourth quarter of 2009, followed by full production availability in 2010.
According to Jim Nicholas, general manager of ST’s microcontroller division: “Taking the STM32 to 90nm will enable more feature-rich applications reaching higher performance standards and even greater power efficiency.”
ST has more than 70 STM32 devices in full production.
Earlier this year, STMicroelectronics added a full-speed USB on-the-go (OTG) interface to its range of Cortex-M3-based STM32 microcontrollers.
Dubbed the STM32 Connectivity Line, it also includes an Ethernet interface featuring hardware support for IEEE1588 precision time protocol.
“Implementing the protocol in hardware reduces CPU overhead and enables faster response for real-time applications and when synchronizing networked devices,” said the company.
The reason suppliers are increasing the number of interface peripherals in one MCU is that it should allow designs to incorporate multiple functions such as motor-control and user-interface control in a more cost-effective way
This is also the first STM32 microcontrollers to include two CAN2.0B controllers.