ST's Cartesio+ processor for automotive infotainment and PNS

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has introduced Cartesio+, a new application processor with embedded GPS for next-generation in-car and portable navigation systems.

Combining superior processing power and positioning accuracy with a rich set of integrated peripherals, ST’s Cartesio+ enables cost- and space-efficient navigation and infotainment applications with enhanced user experience.

“Capitalizing on the success of the first-generation Cartesio application processor, which made ST into one of the leading suppliers for GPS- enabled System-on-Chip ICs, the next-generation Cartesio+ offers high integration and high-performance features, while meeting the constraints of cost-sensitive applications,” said Domenico Rossi, General Manager of ST’s Car Radio and Multimedia Division.

“It is a cutting-edge System-on-Chip device that offers high-sensitivity embedded positioning capabilities and meets the power requirements of portable applications, while satisfying the most stringent automotive quality constraints.”

The Cartesio+ System-on-Chip is manufactured in ST’s 55nm process technology and integrates a powerful ARM1176 processor with a GPS/Galileo positioning subsystem enhanced with indoor sensitivity, an advanced 3D graphics engine, and a large set of connectivity peripherals, including multiple SD/MMC, CAN and USB with integrated physical layers.

The device’s embedded graphics acceleration engine is optimized for 3D map content rendering using ST’s patented anti-aliasing technique, which smoothes jagged edges in digital images improving map readability, without impacting on processor performance.

Cartesio+ also integrates a video input port for connecting auxiliary devices, such as a rear-view camera for safe parking, and a hardware JPEG decoder for fast picture browsing without taxing the chip’s main processing resources.

Cartesio+ also offers advanced power management capabilities, based on ‘power island’ technology, which allows areas of the chip to operate at different voltage levels. The device also supports dynamic scaling of the core frequency to improve battery life for portable applications.

To support customer designs, ST offers a complete cost-optimized kit for portable navigation devices, built around Cartesio+, which couples the application processor with ST’s STA5630 advanced GPS RF chip with integrated Low-Noise Amplifier, and three other key components from the Company’s rich portfolio: the STW4210 power management chip, an audio processing amplifier/LED display driver, and the STA2500D Bluetooth controller.

Building on ST’s world-class abilities in automotive technologies and applications, the new Cartesio+ processor has been designed to meet the specific and rigorous demands for quality and reliability in the automotive market.

Cartesio+ is a scalable device available with two different feature sets: the STA2064 and STA2065, which have been optimized for BOM-sensitive and performance-demanding applications, respectively.

Samples are available now to lead customers, with volume production scheduled for December 2009.

ST delivers 512-Kbit serial EEPROMs in 2x3mm package outline

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics, the world’s largest supplier of serial EEPROMs, has leveraged its advanced non-volatile memory technology to deliver an industry first with two new 512-Kbit devices that offer the highest density memories available in the industry-standard 2x3x0.6mm 8-pin Micro Leadframe Package (MLP).

Pin compatibility with memories of lower density allows designers to upgrade products quickly and efficiently by changing devices without redesigning the board.

Serial EEPROMs deliver non-volatile storage in low-pin-count packages, suitable for many consumer, industrial, medical and communication products. The devices’ built-in byte-mode erasing capability allows easy parameter update; and 128-byte page write, together with 5ms write time, results in rapid programming of assembled boards on the production line.

In addition, with read current as low as 2mA and stand-by current less than 5 microamps, the new memories save energy in power-sensitive equipment such as battery-powered personal media devices or professional portable instruments.

The wide operating-voltage range, from 1.8V to 5.5V, allows the same device to be used across many applications and product variants. Both types are also offered with an operating range of 2.5V to 5.5V.

The new devices are the M95512 featuring a 20MHz SPI port, and the M24512 with an I2C interface supporting 400kHz Fast-mode or 1MHz Fast-mode Plus. With its 20MHz SPI interface, the M95512 achieves data transfer speeds equal to the fastest serial EEPROMs currently available.

Both devices are also available in industry-standard SO-8 and TSSOP-8 packages. These new devices complete a full family of EEPROMs, delivered in MLPs from 2 to 128 and 512-Kbit densities. A 256-Kbit device will be available in Q4 2009.

The M95512 and M24512 in MLP 2x3 packages are available in mass production and are priced from $0.80 for high-volume orders.

ST innovates integrated protection ICs for sleeker PoE equipment

SINGAPORE: Power over Ethernet (PoE), or IEEE 802.3at, is the industry standard enabling devices such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones, wireless-LAN access points, RFID tag readers, sensors, or cameras to connect into a network without also requiring a nearby wall outlet for power.

This enhances convenience and flexibility for end users, and also reduces equipment costs, as no external AC/DC power adapter is required. In 2008, VDC Research Group predicted that annual shipments of PoE-enabled Ethernet switches will increase to over 132 million ports by 2012.

STMicroelectronics has simplified the design of equipment for powering devices connected to an Ethernet network by introducing an integrated surge-protection IC that meets Power-over-Ethernet specifications and protects against high-voltage surges, including electrostatic discharge (ESD).

ST’s PEP01-5841 protection IC is used in Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), such as PoE-enabled Ethernet switches or hubs, which drive the specified 48V supply onto the Ethernet cable.

The PoE power-supply circuitry in the Ethernet hub or switch can withstand transients on the power lines of up to 100V. Extra protection is necessary to prevent very high voltage surges, such as ESD or EOS, from damaging the power supply.

Discrete components are usually used to clamp surges to a voltage below 121V (when specified), but the PEP01-5841 integrates a 100V clamping protection device and filtering capacitors for up to four PoE outputs in a single 5 x 6mm component. This simplifies design and saves up to 55 percent of pc-board printed-circuit-board space.

The PEP01-5841 is the first device providing 1kV surge protection as specified by IEC 61000-4-5 that also has a clamping voltage compatible with the 100V PSE controller. ESD protection satisfies worldwide standards including IEC 61000-4-2 and MIL-STD-883 Method 3015.

The PEP01-5841 is available immediately, in the industry-standard SO-8 package, priced at $0.25 in quantities of 10,000 pieces.

ST reports further advances in corporate responsibility during 2008

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has announced the publication of the company’s 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report.

The report, which covers all of ST’s activities and sites in 2008, contains detailed indicators of the Company’s performance across the full range of Social, Environmental, Health & Safety, and Corporate Governance issues and reaffirms ST’s long-established commitment to serving its stakeholders with integrity, transparency and excellence.

Year 2008 was a milestone year for STMicroelectronics. In 2008, several important initiatives that have reshaped the company into a leaner, faster, more innovative and powerful competitor in the world's semiconductor arena were implemented in a deteriorating world economy. At the same time, the Company was able to record continued progress in all areas of Corporate Responsibility, thanks to the continued success of its Sustainable Excellence program.

ST’s Sustainable Excellence program was designed to embed Corporate Responsibility into every level of the Company’s activities. The term reflects ST’s firm belief in its ability to balance stakeholders’ expectations to make the Company ‘sustainable’ – successful now and in the future – in the short and long term and enable it to contribute to sustainable development at a global level.

“Year after year, we continue to find that pursuing the highest standards of Corporate Responsibility brings both short-term and long-term benefits,” said Georges Auguste, Executive Vice President, Director of Quality, Education and Sustainable Development, STMicroelectronics. “In the short term, our people are inspired to produce more innovative products and to do so with ever-increasing quality, while in the longer term we are better able to further the professional development of our employees, attract the best new talent, and strengthen the relationships with the communities in which we operate.”

STMicroelectronics was one of the first global industrial companies to recognise the importance of environmental responsibility and has won many awards for its pioneering work in this field. The Company played a pivotal role in demonstrating that ‘Green is Black’ i.e. that environmental responsibility delivers real financial benefits.

Since the company published its first ‘Environmental Decalogue’ in 1994, it has continually widened the scope of its definition of corporate responsibility and increasingly formalised both the deployment of its principles within the company and the reporting of the results to stakeholders to ensure that it remains at the forefront of Corporate Responsibility.

In fact, the 2008 report confirms that ST maintained its continuous improvement in all of the Company’s traditional areas of Corporate Responsibility excellence such as environment, employee well-being, community involvement, and product responsibility while also demonstrating strong performance in aspects that are becoming increasingly important to stakeholders. These include Health & Safety, diffusion of Corporate Responsibility in the supply chain, implementation of human rights, and responsible restructuring.

Among the achievements highlighted in the report are:

* A reduction in energy consumption per unit by 5 percent compared to 2007. This consumption now represents around 49 percent of its 1994 level, meaning that the energy saved each year is equivalent to the consumption of a town of 400,000 people;

* Outstanding progress in the reduction of CO2 emissions, which are now represent only 68 percent of what they were in 2005 in absolute value, despite a 4 percent increase in production volume over the same period;

* Further improvements in an already excellent safety performance, with a 21 percent decrease of the number of incidents compared to 2007. The cumulative 61 percent improvement since 2002 places ST at the top level in the industry;

* Full deployment of the Company’s health plan that offers to each and every ST employee, everywhere in the world, the same complete medical cover. More than 17,000 employees had at least one medical examination in 2008, bringing the total to more than 41,000 in the last two years.

“At ST, we have a long-term vision, through our unwavering commitment to Sustainable Excellence. We deploy, at all levels of the organization, hundreds of programs for sustainable development, quality improvement, cost reduction, innovation, market share, health and safety, and many more but we know that, at the end of the day, the heart of our performance lies in our people, in their engagement and in the sharing of our company values: Integrity, People and Excellence,” said Carlo Bozotti, President and CEO.

“Today, in the midst of the worst economic crisis in decades, we believe that the financial and economic world needs stronger governance; we believe that a longer-term vision is an absolute must to support robust economic growth. Sustainable capitalism cannot be based on short-term strategies and unrealistic expectations.”

The full report can be downloaded here.

ST delivers STM32 connectivity line MCUs

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has confirmed full production availability of its latest STM32 Connectivity Line microcontrollers built on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor, as forecast when the company announced its new devices in March at Embedded World 2009.

The STM32 Connectivity Line allows developers to take advantage of industry-standard 32-bit processing in designs requiring simultaneous Ethernet, USB, CAN and audio-class I2S capabilities.

Two variants are available, including the STM32F105 series combining a Full-Speed USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG peripheral and two CAN2.0B controllers with advanced filtering capabilities.

The STM32F107 family adds a complete 10/100 Ethernet MAC with hardware support for the IEEE1588 Precise Time Protocol, enabling Ethernet connectivity for real-time applications. Dedicated buffers allow the USB OTG, the two CAN controllers and the Ethernet interfaces to operate simultaneously to satisfy communication-gateway applications, as well as a host of challenges requiring flexible, industry-standard connectivity.

Both families also support audio-class I2S communications which, combined with USB host and SPI capability, allows the micro to read music files from external storage such as a USB mass-storage device, an MP3 player or SD card, and decode and output audio via the I2S. Such features are required in home-audio products such as docking systems, alarm-clock/music players, and home theaters.

The high processing power of the ARM Cortex-M3 allows developers to implement important functions such as the audio codec and human-interface functions such as display-data handling and the Play and Stop buttons in software, thereby saving additional external components.

“Our considerable expertise with ARM Cortex-M3 allows us to quickly introduce new products delivering the advantages of power-efficient operation, solid real-time performance, and innovative shared peripherals to an industry-standard core," said Jim Nicholas, STMicroelectronics Microcontrollers Division Manager. "With four STM32 families in full production, a new ultra-low-power STM32L MCU platform in development, and more innovations planned, our reliable roadmap enables customers to target established markets as well as emerging opportunities.”

The STM32 Connectivity Line comprises 72MHz microcontrollers to fulfill requirements such as network accessibility, data logging, USB connectivity and peripheral extension, or field upgradeability. These requirements will serve products targeting industrial, medical, appliance, consumer, and building-services markets, such as PLCs, motor controls, patient monitors, motor controls, home audio, security systems, power meters and control panels.

A total of 70 STM32 variants are now in production, delivering pin-and-software compatible devices from 36MHz to 72MHz, with a broad selection of common peripherals to serve diverse applications, eight package options and on-chip Flash density from 16Kbyte to 512Kbyte.

The STM32F105 with 64Kbyte, 128Kbyte or 256Kbyte of embedded Flash, and the STM32F107 with 128Kbyte or 256Kbyte, are available immediately in LQFP64 or LQFP100 packages. Prices are from $2.90 in the 64Kbyte LQFP64 package up to $4.92 for 256Kbyte devices in the LQFP100, for quantities of 10,000 units.

ST unveils ultra-low-power technology platform for 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics has announced details of a new ultra-low-power technology platform for building a range of 8-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers, which will enable future generations of electronic products to consume less power, meet evolving energy-efficiency standards, and operate for longer from their batteries.

Meeting these increasing demands requires looking at all aspects of microcontroller design and process technology to maximize improvements in all areas.

This new platform is built on a 130nm process, which ST has further optimized with ultra-low-leakage transistors for logic functions, low-voltage transistors for analog functions, innovative low-power embedded memory, new low-voltage low-power standard peripherals and an innovative power-management architecture. Together, these enhancements dramatically reduce dynamic and static power consumption, enabling forthcoming families of microcontrollers delivering better performance per Watt than the most frugal low-power devices on the market today.

ST will introduce the first new microcontrollers, the STM8L and STM32L, based on this ultra-low-power platform later in 2009. These will be the start of new ultra-low-power product paths for the 8-bit STM8S and 32-bit STM32F families achieving dynamic power consumption as low as 150µA/MHz from Flash, and HALT-mode power consumption as low as 300nA while maintaining SRAM content and registers. The first STM8L products are already sampling to key OEMs.

Within this new technology platform, 130nm digital transistors optimized for low leakage reduce the microcontroller’s current draw in normal operation as well as in power-saving modes. In addition, the innovative, low-power embedded non-volatile memory reduces the energy consumed to handle application data.

The enhanced analog transistors are functional down to 1.65V, enabling low-voltage operation of the on-chip analog circuitry. The power-management architecture also saves power in all modes through techniques such as low-voltage operation of the core and ultra-fast 4-microseconds wake-up from low-power states. Completing the platform, dedicated digital libraries and a new low-power system-on-chip (SoC) design flow will enable ST to expand its ultra-low-power microcontroller families and deliver new devices to market quickly.

"The new STM8L and STM32L microcontrollers built on this platform will naturally extend the STM8S and STM32F families, which already include several product paths optimized for accessibility, high performance, and flexible connectivity," said Jim Nicholas, General Manager of ST’s Microcontrollers Division. "Product developers will use the new devices to take advantage of today’s most advanced and efficient processor architectures in fast-growing markets such as portable medical devices and e-metering, as well as emerging opportunities where long battery life, small battery sizes, or battery-less operation are required."

Other products to benefit from the new 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs will include alarm systems, wireless sensors, touch-sensing modules, and portable equipment such as personal healthcare devices, handheld game terminals, remote-control units, GPS devices, personal sports equipment, and mobile accessories.

The STM8S and STM32F families solve developers’ needs for efficient processor architectures delivering low cost, low power and optimum design flexibility. Each uses an advanced processor core, such as the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor of the STM32F family, and peripheral functions are shared between both families to promote design flexibility and software re-use.

The available devices within each family are pin compatible, which enhances designers’ freedom to optimize pin count and peripherals for each design. Both families also make best use of established power-saving methods including reduced-power sleep and idle modes, fast wake-up times to reduce wasted clock cycles, and low-voltage operation.

ST intros new family of single- and two-axis MEMS gyroscopes

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics has introduced a new family of single- and multi-axis MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) gyroscopes.

Underpinned by the Company’s market-proven micromachining technology, which utilizes the unique mechanical properties of silicon by producing structures within the semiconductor chip to measure movement, ST’s gyroscopes deliver superior performance and reliability for angular-motion detection in human-machine interface applications, personal and car navigation systems, and image stabilization for digital still and video cameras.ST's Gyroscope portfolio.

Gyroscopes complement acceleration sensors in ever more popular man-machine interfaces, making gaming and remote-pointing more exciting, enhance car navigation applications for dead-reckoning and/or map-matching, and counteract digital video or still camera shaking for sharper shots.

ST’s complete family of single-axis (yaw) and two-axis (pitch-and-roll, pitch-and-yaw) MEMS gyroscopes offers the industry’s widest full-scale range, from 30 to 6,000 dps (degrees per second). The innovatively designed sensors can provide two separate outputs for each axis at the same time -– an unamplified output value for general detection of angular motion and a 4x amplification for high-resolution measurements that enhances design flexibility and the user experience.

ST’s new gyroscopes boast excellent stability over a wide temperature range and time, with variation typically lower than 0.05dps/°C for zero-rate level, eliminating the need for further temperature compensation in the application. Measurement precision is ensured with the negligible level of noise that affects the output signal (0.014dps/sqrt(Hz) at 30dps full-scale).

The high-performance MEMS gyroscopes are resistant to mechanical stress thanks to the robust process already successfully applied to the several hundred million ST accelerometers sold in the market and are able to operate with any supply voltage in the range of 2.7 to 3.6 V.

The 5x5 mm LGA package, together with the innovative design approach, ensures a high level of integration in space-constrained designs as well as better performance and soldering stability compared with bulkier ceramic packages.

Samples of the complete family of MEMS gyroscopes (yaw, pitch-and-roll, and pitch-and-yaw) with full scales ranging from 30dps to 6000dps are available now and mass production is expected to start in Q3 2009. Examples include LPR503AL, a two-axis pitch-and-roll gyroscope with 30dps and 120dps full scales, and LPY550AL, a two-axis pitch-and-yaw gyroscope with 500dps and 2,000dps full scales.

Unit pricing is $2.5 for quantities of tens of thousands pieces.

Jump in smartphone orders in Q2 lifting silicon MEMs mics

NEW TRIPOLI, USA: Q2 2009 smartphone orders, up nearly 15 percent sequentially, will lift the silicon MEMs microphone market from its worst year since they became commercially available, according to the report: “Silicon Microphones and Speakers: Technology, Market Analysis, and End-Applications,” recently published by The Information Network.

Orders for smartphones reached 41.5 million units in Q2 2009 in anticipation of early Q3 introduction of several new models. Nokia's Ovi Store launched on May 26. On June 6, the long-awaited Palm Pre will launch on the Sprint Network. LG comes back to the market with two new touchscreen-based cellphones. New BlackBerrys are also rumored to be hitting stores soon. I anticipate the iPhone 2009 will be announced next Monday at the Apple WWDC and the new iPhone 2009 out near the end of June.

"The MEMS silicon microphone market has become a hotbed of activity, spurred by record-breaking growth in consumer electronics products such as hearing aids, cellular phones, cordless phones, headsets, and headphones," noted Dr. Robert Castellano, President of The Information Network. "Initial entrants that included Knowles Acoustics, Akustika, and Sonion (Denmark) has grown to include Analog Devices, Wolfson Microelectronics (UK), Freescale, STMicroelectronics, Infineon, and Omron (Germany)."

China suppliers entered the market in recent years and include Shangdong Goer Acoustics Technology Co. Ltd, Suzhou MEMSensing Microsystems Co. Ltd, and AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd.

For 2009, the report forecasts a 5 percent downturn in the cellphone market, from 1,216 million units in 2008 to 1,156 million units in 2009. The smartphone market, which includes the iPhone, will grow 21 percent from 196 million units in 2008 to 238 million units in 2009. This sector is the key growth area for the MEMS microphone.

Accelerometers set to become leading MEMS device in 2013

EL SEGUNDO, USA: When you turn your iPhone to the side and the screen automatically adjusts from portrait to landscape view, there’s an accelerometer at work. When you swing your Wii controller and bowl a virtual strike, there’s an accelerometer at work.

Indeed, accelerometers in recent years have emerged as a critical input device for some of the world’s hottest electronic products, causing shipments to boom. This will make accelerometers the top-selling Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) device by 2013, according to iSuppli Corp.

The global MEMS accelerometer market will expand to $1.7 billion in 2013, up from $947.7 million in 2007, as presented in the figure.Source: iSuppli

“Due to this rapid sales growth, accelerometers by 2013 will displace the current leading MEMS products—inkjet heads and Digital Light Processing (DLP) chips—to become the dominant type of MEMS device sold worldwide in 2013,” said Jérémie Bouchaud, principal analyst, MEMS, for iSuppli. “Consumers’ desire for motion-sensing in smart phones and video game systems will boost demand for accelerometers.”

The boom in accelerometer demand will come as a boon to the health of the overall MEMS market. Although global MEMS revenue will decline by 8 percent in 2009—the second decline in market history following a 7 percent decrease in 2008—accelerometers will still manage 1.8 percent growth. Accelerometer revenue will rise by 14.1 percent in 2010 and will maintain double-digit percentage growth in 2011 and 2012.

“A major catalyst for the rise in accelerometer sales is pricing,” Bouchaud noted. “Accelerometers broke the magic $1 barrier in 2008, making them attractive in a larger number of products. Their prices will continue to decline in the coming years, widening their appeal beyond smart phones to reach the wider mobile handset market.”

In 2009, revenue from consumer and mobile applications for accelerometers is expected to exceed that of automotive applications. Until now, Automotive has been the biggest application by far for accelerometers, but this area now is suffering from the global collapse of car production.

Automotive applications accounted for 40 percent of global accelerometer revenue in 2008, down from 78 percent in 2006. In contrast, consumer electronics and wireless accelerometer revenue rose from 22 percent to 58 percent during the same period.

STMicroelectronics rides consumer wave to top of accelerometer market
In 2006, the top five accelerometer suppliers -- Freescale, Analog Devices, Bosch, VTI and Denso -- almost exclusively served the automotive market. However, by the end of 2008, STMicroelectronics had taken the lead in accelerometers based on its significant success in supplying the burgeoning consumer and wireless communications markets.

STMicroelectronics’ global accelerometer revenue rose to $220 million in 2008, up by nearly a factor of eight from $29 million in 2007. The company’s accelerometer market share rose to 20 percent in 2008, up from 4 percent in 2006.

2008 industrial semiconductor revenues overtake automotive; Infineon, ST top two suppliers

LONDON, UK: According to analysis by Semicast Research, revenues for semiconductors in the industrial sector exceeded those in the automotive sector for the first time in 2008. Semicast estimates that industrial semiconductor revenues grew to $22.1 billion in 2008, a rise of almost 11 percent from $20.0 billion in 2007.

Semiconductor revenues in the industrial (including medical) sector have been broadly similar to those in automotive for several years. However auto sales have gone into reverse recently as consumers have chosen to defer new car purchases, with Chrysler and GM receiving government funding and even Toyota making a loss.

The worldwide automotive semiconductor market is estimated to have fallen by around 5 percent in 2008 and with car manufacturing plants on extended shutdown and consumer confidence still low, a further fall in 2009 looks certain.

Although industrial does not benefit from the hype and glamour of other sectors, neither does it exhibit the “boom-and-bust” cycle so typical of the semiconductor industry as a whole.

Further its broad applications base (encompassing areas as diverse as medical imaging, lighting control and farm machinery) and correspondingly fragmented customer base, help to ensure a spread of risk and uncertainty during these unprecedented times. Colin Barnden, Principal Analyst at Semicast Research, commented, “In the current economic climate, industrial is one sector which semiconductor vendors can look to as a safe haven for more dependable revenues”.

The industrial semiconductor market continues to have no clear number one supplier and Infineon Technologies and STMicroelectronics again competed for the position of largest supplier in 2008. With less than one percentage point of market share between them, Semicast judges Infineon to have recorded fractionally higher sales than ST in the industrial sector in 2008, although with such a fine margin that the Euro-to-Dollar exchange rate plays a decisive role.

The analysis clearly shows that in 2008, as in 2007, these two suppliers were the market leaders, ahead of Texas Instruments and Renesas, who themselves compete for third place. The largest suppliers are typically leaders in either standard linear, power discretes or microcontrollers, with Intel the only major exception to this rule among the top ten.

Although the industrial sector is by no means immune to the effects of the global recession, the diversity of its application and customer bases offers a strong foundation to support demand over the short term.

In addition, economic stimulus plans to raise government spending during the downturn are certain to be concentrated in areas of high political importance, such as energy conservation, medical electronics and security, all of which will benefit semiconductor demand in the industrial sector. Semicast predicts another fierce battle between Infineon and ST in 2009, although as recent events have clearly shown, be ready to expect the unexpected.

Market share estimates for semiconductor suppliers to industrial sector in 2008
1, Infineon Technologies 8 percent
2. STMicroelectronics 7 percent
3. Texas Instruments 6 percent
4. Renesas Technology 6 percent
5. Analog Devices 4 percent
6. Intel 3 percent
7. Vishay 3 percent
8. Toshiba 3 percent
9. National Semiconductor 2 percent
10. Freescale 2 percent
11. Others 56 percent

Notes:
Margin of error +/- 0.5%. All percentages are rounded.
Rate of Exchange: US$ 1 = EUR 0.683.
Source: Semicast Research (May 2009)

ST, Soitec to develop next-gen CMOS image sensors technology

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: STMicroelectronics and Soitec announced an exclusive joint cooperation between the two companies that will lead to the development of 300mm wafer-level backside-illumination (BSI) technology for next-generation image sensors in consumer products.

The resolution of today’s leading-edge image sensors is continuously increasing, while demand is high for the overall reduction of the camera-module footprint, particularly in consumer markets. This means the necessary development of smaller individual pixel sizes, while maintaining pixel sensitivity to produce high-quality images. Backside illumination is a key enabling technology to meet this challenge in the development of next-generation image sensors.

The agreement between the two companies includes the licensing by Soitec to ST of the Smart Stacking™ bonding technology for the manufacturing of backside-illumination sensors on 300mm wafers. This technology, developed by Soitec’s Tracit business unit, leverages molecular bonding, and mechanical, as well as chemical thinning. ST will develop a new generation of image sensors based on its advanced derivative-CMOS process technology at 65nm and beyond, at its 300mm facility in Crolles, France. In combination with ST’s advanced wafer-level manufacturing capabilities, the Smart Stacking technology will enable ST to increase its leadership in developing and supplying high-performance image sensors for mobile consumer products.

“Backside illumination technology is a key ingredient in the small-pixel, high-image-quality race for the development of leading-edge image sensors,” said Eric Aussedat, Group Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Division, STMicroelectronics. “Partnering with Soitec will help quickly deploy the Smart Stacking technology into ST’s camera products. This agreement will accelerate the development of advanced and superior cost-competitive image-sensor processes, and further confirms the Grenoble region as a world-class center of expertise for advanced CMOS imaging technologies.”

“We are very pleased that STMicroelectronics has chosen our Smart Stacking technology for their BSI product,” said André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, chairman and president of the Soitec Group. “This technology developed by our Tracit business unit, supports fast implementation of advanced processes involving substrate engineering and 3D integration. We are glad to support ST’s commitment to innovation for the benefit of their customers.”

ST announces smart Web based sensor HDK

SINGAPORE: STMicroelectronics announced the industry’s most comprehensive hardware developer kit (HDK) for building active RFID tags and readers that comply with the global standard for 433MHz active RFID technology, ISO 18000-7. The beta version of the Smart Web Based Sensor HDK is available now from Arira Design.

The Smart Web-Based Sensor HDK solves key technical challenges for companies seeking to develop wireless sensor networks for security and asset-monitoring applications. Developers can now blend standards-compliant active RFID with other wireless-networking and GPS capabilities and enhanced sensing features, exploiting built-in MEMS motion sensors and temperature and light sensors. The Smart Web Based Sensor HDK also enables longer battery life and smaller device sizes.

“We strongly believe that the next big wave in sensors will be driven by the combination of the sensing function with wireless transmission -– and ISO 18000-7 is the right solution for security and asset-monitoring applications,” said Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of the MEMS and Healthcare Product Division at STMicroelectronics. “The Smart Web Based Sensor HDK is a best-in-class development platform that will help the adoption of wireless sensors across the industry. The HDK’s rich ecosystem of sensors, combined with Savi’s active RFID technology, will enable users to meet demanding technical and functional requirements.”

“By making this Smart Web Based Sensor HDK available, STMicroelectronics has cleared a large hurdle for companies seeking to innovate with active RFID,” said David Shannon, senior vice president of Savi Technology, the world’s leading provider of active RFID products based on ISO 18000-7 standards. “The HDK enables innovators to quickly and inexpensively develop new products based on the global standard for active RFID and will help expand the market for active RFID.”

Smart Web based sensor HDK
The Smart Web Based Sensor HDK consists of sample boards and a Windows application that allows developers to rapidly customize the sensor and wireless capabilities for new active RFID products. It provides users with the ability to integrate their own hardware and firmware into ISO 18000-7 based RFID products for industrial, medical, and transportation applications, including the addition of new RFID commands or data fields.

Developed by engineers from ST’s Multi-Market Competence Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, in conjunction with Arira Design, based in Sunnyvale, California, the STM32 microcontroller-based platform is now being released in beta and is available from Arira Design via the web.

MCUs are now shaping the embedded world!

As promised, here's a discussion I had with STMicroelectronics (ST) on its new 8-bit microcontroller, the STM8S -- the STM8S105 and STM8S207 MCUs for industrial and consumer applications. The discussion focused on how MCUs are now beginning to shape the embedded world.

Addressing this specific query, Patrice Hamard,8-bit Product Line Marketing Manager, STMicroelectronics, said that ST is reshaping the microcontroller with a solid offer on 8bit that has a strong overlap with STM32 in terms of feature and price. "Therefore, we are going to cover the need for embedded functions with only two architectures. Compared to the previous segmentations (8-, 16- and 32-bit), we are changing it to become 8- and 32-bit only," he clarified.

On the STM8S, Hamard said that the key application areas addressed by the MCU are industrial and appliances in consistent with the robustness and the reliability. He said: "The STM8S family is supporting 5V as well as 3V, thereby making it ideal for the platform evolution as well as a good offer for the consumer and mass market. The cost advantage given with the fine lithography also allows us to propose this family to key customers in PC peripherals and consumer applications."

Rich feature set an imperative in MCUs
Rich feature set is an imperative in the MCU market. How is the STM8S meeting this requirement?

According to him, the feature set is driven by the need to reduce the bill of materials (BoM). The robustness allows simple design and board layout with less filtering. The clock controller gives low noise emission figure, thereby reducing the need for shielding. The precise clock allows the suppression of the external resonator. The embedded true E²Data suppresses the need for additional E²PROM. Safe reset (no grey area) makes the reset system safer suppressing the need for external reset circuit.

The clock system, as well as the two independent watchdogs will contribute to pass safety regulations together with ST's class B libraries. All communications peripherals are available as well -- (U(S)ART, I²C, SPI, CAN, LIN), advanced 16-bit timers and timebase, fast and precise 10-bit ADC.

Finally, the 8-bit core is one of the most efficient with 20MIPS at 24MHz. Built around the 8-bit data path, the micro has 16bit registers and 32bit memory memory width.

So, how does the STM8 deliver high performance with excellent code compactness?

Hamard said that thanks to the new CISC instruction set designed in collaboration with ST's C compiler partners, the compactness has been significantly improved. The Harvard architecture with its three-stage pipeline allows to reach up to 20MIPs @ 24MHz.

ST is offering family demonstration boards and instrument cluster reference designs as well. In fact, there are currently solutions available in ST with the STM8S/128-EVAL, as well as with third parties like raisonance with the REVA KIT. Many reference designs are complete or in progress demonstrating motor control (sensorless brushless DC motors), power management, smart card protocol, capacitive sensing, etc.

Demand for low-power MCUs
According to Hamard, the trend of low power is coming from the increase of the application base on battery in consumer and personal care, combined with a strong demand for power meters (electricity, water and gas). Energy saving is important and electronics can contribute a great deal to reduce the overall energy consumption.

"The STM8S is not specifically aiming low power applications even though the features of the family are good for many low power devices. It is in our plan to introduce later this year a dedicated family to address low voltage/low power arena," he added.

Why 8-bit?
Considering that there are 8- vs. 16- vs. 32- bit MCUs, and also that affordable prices are perhaps the reason that the Asian region is witnessing a migration to 16-bit architectures. In this scenario, why 8-bit?

Hamard said: "Everything depends on what we consider to be "affordable" and who we are talking to. For large quantity and simple functions, affordability is between $0.20 cents to $0.50 cents. By construction, a 16-bit device cannot be as effective as an 8-bit product. We even believe that the microcontroller prices will decrease and address applications served with few discrete devices. The main reason is the consistency of architecture.

"The construction of the 32- and 16- are very similar, especially with the new generation of ARM-based products. The only reason to go from 8- to 16-bit is for performance improvement. We say that our 32-bit portfolio is already overlapping the 8-bit segment in performance and in price, leaving no room for the third core structure.

"Taking a closer look at our portfolio, you will realize that our 32-bit is also providing 16-bit instruction set, and our 8-bit is built with 16-bit register, 24-bit memory address bus, etc."

ST's 8-bit MCUs make efficient use of technology

STMicroelectronics (ST) recently introduced the new 8-bit microcontroller, the STM8S. This new MCU is said to be robust and reliable, and price competitive with system cost integration. Some other features include
• Performance up to 20MIPs @ 24Mhz;
• Excellent code density;
• Leading edge embedded Flash technology with true embedded E²Data; and
• Embedded debug function with low-cost development tools.

In fact, the company announced the general availability of the STM8S105 and STM8S207 MCUs for industrial and consumer applications. Key features of the new devices include high-performance 8-bit architecture, modular peripherals and pin-compatible packages to raise performance, scalability and value for current 8-bit and 16-bit applications.

The STM8S platform enables new generations of 8-bit MCUs, offering up to 20 MIPS CPU capability and 2.95-5.5V operation to help legacy 8-bit systems transition to lower supply voltages. Its 130nm embedded non-volatile memory is among the most advanced technologies currently in use with 8-bit MCUs, and provides true EEPROM data-write with 300,000-cycle durability.

So, what would be typical applications addressed by ST's STM8S? These would be -- home appliances, HVAC, user interfaces, factory automation, motor control, sensors, lighting, e-bikes, circuit breakers, personal care, rechargeable battery operated devices, toys and game accessories, power supplies and power management, and power tools.

The microcontroller boasts advanced architecture for performance. These include:
• High performance core:
– Advanced Harvard and CISC architecture.
– New arithmetic instructions (yXx,y/x).
– 20MIPs peak @ 24Mhz Fcpu.

• Innovative architecture:
– 128 kB linear address space, no paging.
– 16-bit index registers.
– Internal 32-bit memory interface and three-stage pipeline.
– Advanced clock controller for better power consumption and noise control.

The STM8 is said to deliver high performance with excellent code compactness. ST has efficiently made use of technology to break price barriers. According to the company, technology is driving 8-bit evolution, and breakthrough has been achieved with 130nm lithography. The MCU also makes use of E² non-volatile memory, analog and digital peripherals.

STM8S – software requirements for safety
• Immune against EMS, strong against Latchup or ESD.
• Low noise emission.
• Embedded system supporting IEC 60335 class B compliance
– Self test
– Build-in checks (check-sum, ECC..)
– Illegal op. codes
– Interrupt handling
– Clock failure detection, recovery
– Watchdogs (Time monitoring, program flow)

In summary, the STM8 MCU is a high performance 20 MIPs core. Features include lower system cost, and friendly IDE with free software suite.

As for the touch sensing software suite, ST is offering complete NRE/royalty-free source code solution to enable 8-bit STM8 MCU platforms for capacitive touch sensing capability. You can detect the capacitive human touch by controlling the charge/discharge timing cycle of an RC network formed by a single resistor and the electrode capacitance Cx.

The suite has multi-function capability to combine capacitive sensing function to the traditional MCU features (communication, LED control, beeper, LCD control). It delivers with hardware development platform and diagnostic tools to ease the design process.

I will be speaking with ST even further on how MCUs are shaping the embedded world. Stay tuned!

Consumer MEMS shine amid gloom: iSuppli

I was fortunate enough to attend a webinar on MEMS organized recently by iSuppli. The webinar looked at the growth potential of this segment, especially during the downturn, as well as some top MEMS suppliers.

According to Jeremie Bouchaud, director & principal analyst, both consumer and mobile MEMS supply has been exploding. The overall MEMS market is likely to grow from $1 billion in 2006 to $2.5 billion in 2012! There will be strong acceleration due to growth of cell phones -- a hotbed for MEMS, he said.

However, the share of MEMS for rear projection TV is vanishing. A market worth $300 million in 2006 is slowly disappearing, and will, in fact, disappear by 2012. Among other growth areas, personal navigation devices (PNDs) and remote controllers will also see growth.

Consumer and mobile market by MEMS device
The main segments include accelerometers, as well as gyroscopes, RF MEMS switches and capacitors, microphones, etc. The penetration of MEMS devices in CE products is said to increase quite fast.

MEMS growth in cell phones will be faster. It will grow from 3 percent in 2007 to 10 percent in 2008. All of the new, best selling smartphones, such as the iPhone, Nokia N95 and N96, Samsung Omnia, HTC Diamond, Google G1, Blackberry Storm, new Palm OS, etc., have accelerometers. A number of mid range phones also have accelerometers, eg. Sony Ericsson's models.

MEMS usage is also growing in gaming. From 1998-2005, there was technology push with limited success. However, in 2006, Nintendo showed the way with its Wii, as did the Sony PS3. Microsoft did not enter this field back then!

Interestingly, 2006-08, motion sensing unveiled new, untapped target groups for gaming -- the so called casual gamers. In Xmas 2008, Microsoft also embraced motion sensors with accessories. Hence, the penetration of motion sensors has really improved. The next third generation platform will include accelerometers and gyroscopes.

Top 15 MEMS suppliers
The key question: who all are shipping these products? According to iSuppli,The top 15 MEMS suppleirs for CE and mobile phones are: STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Avago Technologies, Knowles, Analog Devices, Murata, Kionix, Epson Toyocom, Invensense, Panasonic, Bosch Sensortec, Freescale, Hokoriku, VTI and Memsic.

Some other companies to watch are:
Accelerometers and gyroscopes: Qualtre, Oki, Wacon, Alps, Virtus, Ricoh.
Pressure sensors: Intersema (MEAS), Metrodyne.
Microphones: Infineon, Wolfson, Memstech, Yamaha, Omron, Panasonic, MEMSensing, AAC, Goertek.
Pico-projectors and other MEMS displays: Microvision, Nippon Signal, Samsung, Konica Minolta, Scanlight, Qualcomm, Pixtronix, Unipixel
RF MEMS switches and capacitors: Wispry, Epcos, RFMD, Baolab.
MEMS oscillators: SiTime, Discera, NXP, Seiko, Intel.
BAW filters: Triquint, Skyworks, MEMS Solutions.
MEMS actuators for autofocus and zoom: Simpel, Sony.
Micro-fuel cells: Angstrom, Tekion, Medis.

It is understood well that not all of these companies will be successful. However, they all need to be monitored carefully.

Commenting on cell phones as a hotbed for inertial and magnetic sensors, Dr. Richard Dixon, senior analyst MEMS, iSuppli, said that the market for accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers is in cell phones. This market will reach $730 million in 2012. Gyroscopes are not in the market yet, and are likely to enter by 2010. The total growth rate is very fast. In units, the annual growth rate is said to be 97 percent.

Interestingly, Apple has contributed significantly to growth of MEMS. The iPhone had a great application. Other vendors followed suite with a 'me too" strategy. Apple also had sustainable business model with downloads on the Apple Store. The chicken and egg issue of price was solved. Also, with the iPhone, there was a free field test of motion sensing based applications.

Major suppliers of accelerometers for cell phones today, include STMicroelectronics, Bosch Sensortec, Analog Devices, Hokuriku, Kionix, MEMSIC, Freescale, Oki. Of these, ST has really been very impressive, while Bosch saw impressive growth in 2008. MEMSIC dropped share in 2008.

Navigation in cell phones next big thing
According to Dixon, navigation in mobile phones is the next big thing. Leading navigation markets by platform are: mobile phone navigation, smartphone navigation, PNDs, car aftermarket and car OEM in-dash, respectively. By 2010, the mobile phone/smartphone navigation segment will account for over 60 percent of the market.

Similarly, magnetic sensors will take off in 2009 for e-Compass. There has been penetration of magnetometers in GPS phones. They have been around since 2003 in Japanese phones. These rather esoteric applications and also had technical issues.

There were successful implementations in 2008 for navigation. Eg., the G1 Street View, and the Nokia 6210. Also, 3D compass in combination with 3D accelerometers.

The leading suppliers in this space today, include AKM, Honeywell, Yamaha, Aichi Steel. In the R&D segment, the leading players are said to be Alps, Omron, Memsic, Oki, ST, Freescale, Demodulation. Growth will be steep from 2009 onward, and take off from 2010 up to 2012.

Another growth are is the multi-sensor packages and IMUs (Inertial Measurement Unit) for navigation. Today, we have six-axis e-compass combining magnetic sensors and accelerometers. In future, there will be IMU for LBS and indoor navigation also using gyroscopes.

The issue with gyroscopes is of: performance, price, size, power consumption and no availability of three-axis. Companies that need to be watched in this space are said to be Invensense, ST, Bosch Sensortec, Qualtre, Oki, Virtus.

Other opportunity areas
Later, Jeremie Bouchaud highlighted two other opportunity areas.

MEMS microphone market presents a major opportunity. It will reach close to $400 million by 2012. In 2008, already 325 million units were selling in cell phones and laptops. Leading players in this segment are said to be Knowles, Akustica, Infineon, Sonion, Memstech, AAC. Knowles has over 90 percent of the market share.

MEMS pico projectors is another growth area. Companies have made lot of progress in this segment. The pico projectors come in various varieties.

In the MEMS scanner based segment, the R&D is led by firms such as Microvison, Konica, Minolta, Scanlight, Nippon, Signal, Symbol. These solutions came first as stand alone projectors. Later, it will come on cell phones. The best opportunity is said to be at the module level.

Another sub-segnent is the DLP based projectors. First it will be in form of a pico-projector, later, followed by usage in cell phones.

Bouchaud advised watching out for non-MEMS alternatives, such as Light Blue Optics,
3M and Logic Wireless.

Coping with commoditization and price erosion
The ASP of MEMS devices for CE and mobile phones is dropping at -13 percent per year. So, what are the ways to get profitable?

To be profitable, there is a need to achieve economies of scale by combining consumer and automotive. Also, there is a need to move wafer size to 8-inch. Next, there is a need for externalizing to foundries. ADI and TSMC have already showed the way. Now, USMC, Tower, Dongbu, Magnachip, Omron, etc., are following.

Innovation, in terms of packaging and 3D integration, test, multi-sensor packages, is another way for making profits. There is an opportunity for the equipment suppliers as well.

Consumer MEMS is currently glowing as a light in today's dark times! It is said to grow from $1 billiom in 2006 to $2.5 billion in 2012, with 19 percent CAGR. This optimistic forecast has already started. Accelerometers are present in 10 percent of cell phones in 2008 as against 3 percent in 2007.


There exist a number of opportunities. Small companies can be successful, eg. Kionix and Invensense. There are still opportunities for newcomers. These can be large companies, fabless startups, foundries, software companies, equipment suppliers, etc. Consumer MEMS is an extremely dynamic market, having fast design cycles.