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Single Low-Cost Development Tool Supports STMicroelectronics' 8-bit to 32-bit Microcontrollers

Developed by Raisonance, the new RLink enables application debugging and programming across ST's ST7, µPSD and STR7 families

Single Low-Cost Development Tool Supports STMicroelectronics¿ 8-bit to 32-bit Microcontrollers Geneva, March 13,2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has announced the introduction of a remarkably low-cost application development tool, the RLink, which enables debugging and programming across a complete range of ST’s 8-bit to 32-bit microcontroller families. Developed by Raisonance, this versatile professional tool supports the ST7, 8051-based µPSD and ARM-based STR7 MCUs, and is the first such product in the market to extend its capabilities across three major MCU families.

With a recommended price of just $59, the new development tool is exceptional value and removes the need for users to buy and learn a new toolset when developing for a different family. It provides the freedom to choose the optimum device for the application from the full range of microcontrollers in ST’s three major MCU families, spanning 8-bit to 32-bit. Costs for developers building applications from different families, in particular, can be cut dramatically.

RLink connects to target application or evaluation boards using a standard JTAG connection for STR7 and µPSD systems, and an ICC (ST’s In-Circuit Communication protocol) connection for ST7 systems. 10, 14 and 20-pin adapters for the three families are included in the kit. It is powered through its USB connection to the host PC and needs no separate power supply.

The compact hardware is driven by the Raisonance Integrated Development Environment (RIDE), which provides seamless control of the software development tools – compiler, assembler, linker, debugger – through an intuitive graphical user interface. RIDE supports development and debugging of STR7, µPSD and ST7 microcontroller applications by providing full integration of the relevant C or C/C++ toolsets, plus project management, a code editor, SIMICE instruction set simulator and high-level language debugger.

In addition, the easy-to-use RFlasher standalone programming tool, included as part of the kit, drives the RLink enabling users to erase, program, view and verify the memory of ST7 and STR7 MCUs. For ST7 application developers, the RLink can also be driven by development and programming software in ST’s free ST7 Toolset, including ST7 Visual Develop (STVD7) and ST7 Visual Programmer (STVP7).

RLink is itself designed around ST’s ST72651 MCU, a powerful single-chip controller with data transfer coprocessor (DTC) for full-speed USB applications, which eliminates the need for external components such as RAM, EEPROM, ROM, level-shifters and regulators in application design. Raisonance has built on its experience of developing tools for MCU families based on three different core technologies (ST7, 8051 and ARM) to deliver a truly universal debugging/programming tool with a supporting integrated development environment (IDE) and programming software.

RLink (ST ordering code: STX-RLINK), offering unlimited debugging and programming for ST7 and µPSD and unlimited programming of STR7 microcontrollers, is available now at $59. The package includes the RLink debugger and programmer, JTAG/ICC adapters, USB cable and RIDE/RFlasher software CD. RLink, providing additional unlimited debugging of STR7 microcontrollers, is currently available in the STR7 Professional Kits from Raisonance.

Further information is available at: www.st.com/mcu

STX-RLINK – Promotion web page

About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Information last updated Jan 2006




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