STMicroelectronics is the world’s number one supplier of Serial EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable Memories), non-volatile memories that can be electrically rewritten. These memories offer fine granularity and very high flexibility as they can be updated at the byte or page level in 5 to 10msec. The EEPROM’s endurance is much higher than 1 million write/erase cycles, which is far more than is required for most applications. This impressive flexibility is offset by a larger memory cell and the consequent lower storage capacity per chip area. EEPROM devices are thus best suited for storing parameter sets that need regular updating

EEPROMs with serial interfaces (such as SPI and I²C) are used for parameter storage in various end devices across all market segments:

• Automotive: Driver Information And Entertainment (digital radio, dashboard
  digital satellite receiver, navigation, telematics box); Body And Convenience (auxiliary module, central junction box, gateway, seat control, door zone), Powertrain (automatic transmission, engine management, mechatronic throttle drive; engine park brakes, shift by wires), Safety and Chassis (airbag, anti-lock Brakes/ESP, power steering, active suspension, seat-belt tensioner)
• Communications: base stations, cellular phones, public and private telecom systems: corded and cordless phones, DECT handsets, faxes and answering machines, Analog and xDSL modems, LAN card routers, hubs and emerging Bluetooth™ interfaces
• Consumer: digital television, set-top boxes, video equipment (DVDs, VCRs, digital cameras and camcorders), games, audio systems (MP3 players, radios), white goods, remote control, PVR/DVD, monitors, webcams and battery chargers
• Industrial: instrumentation, alarms, motor control, oscilloscopes, programmable controllers, home appliances, healthcare equipment, power/gas meters and access cards.
• Computer: printers, hard disk drives, graphic cards, keyboards, motherboards and processor boards, CD/DVD-ROMs, modems, webcams, keyboards, wireless optical mice, plug-and-play monitors, DRAM, Modules and e-tags.

STMicroelectronics builds its EEPROMs with sub-micron technology that delivers top-class performance and serves as the standard of reference in the industry. ST’s EEPROM portfolio ranges from 1Kb to 1Mb devices that are delivered in tiny innovative packages. They operate on low supply voltages and support the I²C, SPI and MICROWIRE® buses. ST’s EEPROM devices find increasing demand and acceptance in the automotive, mobile consumer, computer, communication, and industrial markets. They are manufactured using a high-quality CMOS process that ensures a minimum of 40-year data retention and an endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles.

Supporting the Company’s long-term commitment to the automotive market, ST’s EEPROM devices operate over the –40 to 125°C temperature range and comply with the High Reliability Certified Flow (HRCF). Bare die devices are tested up to 125°C and 150°C according to the Known Good Die program.

In noisy systems, spurious writing operations may occur and generate a corruption of the data written in the memory. To prevent such corruption, ST’s EEPROMs are equipped with a number of effective hardware and software data-protection mechanisms. All ST’s EEPROMs are totally pin-out and instruction-set compatible, ensuring high flexibility and investment protection to the customers.

A current boom of software-driven applications is generating an increasing demand for parameter- and board-identifier storage. Benefiting from the multiple advantages of a serial bus over a parallel bus, the Serial EEPROM market has been growing in volume and Serial EEPROM technology will pervade all existing, as well as many emerging applications, including digital consumer equipment.

The success of ST’s Serial EEPROMs rests on several factors:

• very small, low pin-count and cost-effective packages
• low-voltage products for portable applications
• a broad range of densities from 1 Kbit to 1 Mbit, required for higher capacity data and parameter storage as well as code- and data-storage applications
• higher serial-transfer speed, especially with SPI bus
• high flexibility afforded by using 8-pin package for all densities
• quality-driven to meet Automotive requirements

In 2000, ST launched an internal strategic program, named ECOPACK®, to develop and implement solutions leading to environment-friendly packaging and to progressively remove lead (Pb) and other heavy metals from the Company’s manufacturing lines. Since 2006, all Serial EEPROM packages and packaging have been converted to Pb-free technology in compliance with the EU’s Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC).

The pressure on memory manufacturers is twofold: to increase performance (in speed, density, and power consumption) and to decrease costs. ST uses two complementary approaches to achieve these goals. The first is the continual scaling down of process geometries. The second is the development of new memory architectures that allow the current volume-production technology to be optimally exploited in specific applications. ST has undergone an important program of process-technology shrinks for EEPROMs, and is now manufacturing SPI and I2C products with new advanced technology processes.

ST is also successfully pursuing development of application-specific EEPROMs in cooperation with the major OEMs that drive the development of new markets. This is an area where ST has a considerable advantage over other memory suppliers through its strategic alliances with key players in the computer peripheral, communications, automotive, and consumer segments.

Application Specific Memories (ASM) provide features either particular to a given application or are designed on request for specific purposes. ASMs are built on a common non-volatile technology platform, allowing different memory types – OTP, ROM and EEPROM – to be combined on a single chip and to include serial (I²C, SPI, MICROWIRE®), contactless RF access, or customized interfaces. Such optimized solutions are used in PC monitors, DRAM modules, and modems, and allow for customer-specific features. ASMs provide designers with two advantages: improved overall cost/performance and incorporation and protection of Intellectual Property (IP) by integrating custom and/or security features.

April 2007