STMicroelectronics Introduces World's First DSP System Memory.

Business Editors

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 2001

Innovative chip provides a complete system memory solution with

true In-System Programming for ADSP-218X Family of DSPs

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today introduced the world's first DSP System Memory (DSM) device.

Developed in conjunction with Analog Devices, Inc., the DSM2180F3 integrates a large Flash memory, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) block, I/O ports and essential interface and logic functions, which together provide a complete system memory solution for the Analog Devices ADSP-218x family of DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). The first in a family of DSM devices, the DSM2180F3 allows larger Flash memory with JTAG ISP (In-System Programming) to be easily added without additional glue or interface logic, effectively reducing both time-to-market and overall system costs.

"By working closely with ADI, we have ensured that the DSM2180F3 optimally matches the ADSP-218x family, thereby providing DSP designers with a complete turn-key system memory solution that effectively reduces both their time-to-market and overall system costs," said Reza Kazerounian, General Manager of ST's PSM Division.

"We are delighted with the results of our co-operation with ST," said Jerry McGuire, Product Line Director of ADI's DSP Division. "With its large Flash memory that can be accessed in multiple ways, simple JTAG programming, on-board PLD and extra I/O, the DSM2180F3 is a perfect complement to the ADSP-218x for a wide variety of DSP systems."

The DSM2180F3 provides 128KBytes of ISP Flash memory - sufficient storage for multiple iterations of program code and/or expanded data storage - configured as eight sectors of 16KBytes each. On-chip memory-decode and paging logic allows the DSP to access the Flash memory either via Byte DMA (BDMA), which provides a highly efficient way of reading large blocks of Flash memory (e.g. for loading the DSP's internal SRAM with code and data at power-up), or as External Data Overlay memory, which is more efficient for writing to the Flash memory as no DMA channel setup is required.

In addition, the 16KByte sector size of the DSM2180F3 Flash matches the size of the DSP's External Data Overlay address `window', making for efficient data management, while the on-chip paging logic gives the DSP access to the entire 128KBytes of Flash memory. This allows the DSP to write to the Flash memory with maximum efficiency when updating code in the field or updating parameters and other data.

The DSM2180F3's PLD block contains 16 macrocells that can be used to implement functions such as chip-selects for external devices, state-machines, counters, keypad and control panel interfaces, clock dividers, handshake delays and multiplexers, eliminating the need for other small external PLDs and logic devices. The 16 additional I/O pins available on the DSM devices, which can be driven by either the DSP software or by PLD logic, effectively double or triple the current I/O available on the ADSP-218x devices.

The Flash memory, the PLD and the I/O configuration are all programmable via the JTAG In-System Programming (ISP) interface, which reduces development time, streamlines the manufacturing flow and reduces the cost of field upgrades. Because JTAG ISP takes place without DSP involvement, a circuit board can be assembled with blank devices and programmed at the end of the assembly line, eliminating the need for costly sockets and pre-programmed Flash memories and logic devices. JTAG ISP reduces development time by allowing fast iterations of DSP code on the test bench and program code updates in the field, all accomplished via an inexpensive FlashLINK JTAG ISP programmer that plugs into any PC or laptop's parallel port.

The DSM2180F3 provides an ideal system-level solution for products that have constraints on size, EMI levels and power consumption. The Flash memory and logic provided by the DSM device are both `zero-power', which means they automatically go to standby between memory accesses or logic input changes, producing low active and standby currents. Standby currents as low as 25uA for 3.3V devices make them ideal devices for battery-powered products.

Configuration of the DSM2180F3 solution is accomplished with an easy-to-use development and programming tool downloadable from the ST website (http://www.st.com/psd). The software provides a step-by-step design guide that reduces the development time from days, down to a matter of hours. In August 2001, ST will be introducing a `Turn-Key Development System' called the DK2180 for the ADSP-218x and DSM2180F3, complete with Analog Devices' software development tools.

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.