MICROCONTROLLER SOLUTIONS

Tiny 8-Bit Controller Suits Low-Cost Applications

The ST7 ULTRALITE microcontroller from STMicroelectronics provides a low-cost yet powerful solution in a package less than 16mm² and just 0.9mm thick, for consumer and industrial applications. Part of the company’s range of 8-bit microcontrollers, the device includes a complete peripheral set and internal oscillator, giving flexibility to your system, and cutting system costs.



Available in 8-pin DFN packaging, the ST7 ULTRALITE will be qualified over the extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range, making it suitable for use in a variety of home, office, appliance, lighting and security applications. Its internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, and allows the implementation of smart clocking arrangements that allow switching on-the-fly for low-power applications. Further power savings can be made by employing the chip’s five low-power modes.

The device includes two on-chip timers: one a 12-bit unit with output compare and PWM; the second an eight-bit timer with watchdog, real-time base and input capture. The inclusion of a fast (3.5µs) 10-bit ADC also represents an advantage over competing small micros, as does the provision of six I/O lines within an eight-pin package, with open-drain, floating and pull-up options available.

The ST7 ULTRALITE incorporates up to 1Kbyte Flash memory with byte-by-byte In-Circuit Programming (ICP) and In-Application Programming (IAP) capability. The enhanced instruction set and addressing modes of the ST7 core offer both power and flexibility to software developers, enabling the design of highly efficient and compact application code. In addition to standard 8-bit data management, all ST7 microcontrollers feature true bit manipulation, 8 x 8 unsigned multiplication and indirect addressing modes.

The devices feature an on-chip Debug Module (DM) for In-Circuit Debugging (ICD). They are supported by a comprehensive development environment provided by STMicroelectronics and third parties, ranging from low-cost debugging kits to high-performance emulators.

Flash programming can also be achieved on a range of levels: from single-position and in-circuit tools for lab and small-scale production use, through gang devices for production environments, to large-scale automatic programmers for mass production.

Feature

• Tiny, low-cost 8-bit micro
• Internal 8MHz clock
• 2.4V to 5.5V operation
• Multiplexed output on reset pin
• Up to 5 channels ADC: 10-bit resolution
• Five high-sink I/Os
• Five external interrupts on independent vectors
• Up to 1KByte Flash program memory
• Read-out protection
• 128Byte RAM
• Small SO8, DIP8 or DFN8 package
• Debug module for ICD
• Five power-saving modes

Applications

• Replace mechanical relays and switches
• Lowest cost motor control: universal; monophase induction; permanent magnet
• Intelligent external watchdog or current/voltage supervisor
• Smart sensors
• Electronic thermostat
• Domestic appliances: refrigeration; vacuum cleaner; cooker hood
• Small appliances
• Lighting
• Power tools
• Security: home alarm; presence detectors; fire/gas sensors; openers/shutters; electronic keys; gate opener

For further information, including a copy of the STMicroelectronics MCU Brochure, please click here