ST adds MLP options to serial EEPROM portfolio

Three serial EEPROM devices in Micro Leadframe (MLP) package technology have been announced by STMicroelectronics, completing the company's serial EEPROM portfolio. Ranging from 2Kbit to 128Kbit in both I?C and SPI versions, the devices measure 2mm x 3mm x 0.6mm.

The M95128 is the first 128Kbit SPI device to reach the market in the MLP8 package size. As a further benefit, the device has a sub-3?A stand-by mode, allowing its use in energy-sensitive battery-powered products. The four-wire SPI interface supports communication at up to 2Mbit/s, and also allows software-based write protection, in addition to standard protection implemented in hardware.

The 64Kbit M24C64 and 128Kbit M24128 complete ST's family of I?C devices in the MLP8 package, which the company first announced in March 2007. The built-in I?C interface supports 400kbit/s Fast Mode communication, operating as a slave on the I?C bus. Both devices reduce current draw to below 1?A in stand-by mode, to help extend battery life in portable and handheld products.

Apt apps
With their small size, high performance and wide range of capacities, this family of devices is ideal for applications including Bluetooth headsets and modules, WLAN adapters, portable media players, cellular handsets and smart phones, camcorders and digital still cameras. From a system designer's point of view, the operating voltage range is compatible with virtually all ASICs and chipsets. The M24C64 and M24128 are even specified to operate with power supplies as low as 1.7V.

Other valuable features include: a write-control input, byte- and page-write modes, random and sequential read modes, self-timed programming cycle and automatic address incrementing. Device lifetime is greater than one million write cycles, and data retention more than 40 years.

All of the devices in the I?C and SPI families, in the MLP-8 package and spanning densities from 2Kbit to 128Kbit, are available now. The M24C64-FMB6TG is priced at 24 cents in quantities of 1000 units, the M24128-FMB6TG at 34 cents, and the M95128-RMB6TG at 48 cents in the same quantities.