STMicroelectronics Miniaturizes Digital Temperature Sensors for Protection of Portable Products

GENEVA, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leader in ICs for consumer and portable applications, has announced a super-small and power-efficient temperature sensor allowing portable devices to benefit from features such as intelligent thermal protection.

As today's consumer lifestyles demand unprecedented performance and portability from products such as solid-state drives, notebook computers, eREADERS, smartphones, basestations and digital signage, hard-working electronics are packed into confined spaces and generate heat that can cause failure and poor reliability. ST's new STTS751 Digital Temperature Sensor (DTS) is mounted on the circuit board to feedback accurate temperature data allowing the system to manage its temperature, for example, by activating a cooling fan or shutting down circuitry.

The new sensor is smaller than previous-generation sensors, measuring 2 x 2mm, and has an ultra-low 50-microamp operating current, a power-saving 3-microamp standby current, and a one-shot mode that makes the device ideal for battery-powered devices. One-shot operation allows the sensor to sleep for extended periods, waking only to provide an instantaneous reading when triggered by the system.

The STTS751 is accurate to within 1 degree C and communicates its temperature data via an industry-standard System-Management Bus (SMBus) interface. This allows the sensor to be easily designed into a wide range of consumer and professional equipment including solid-state drives, large display backlights, smart batteries, servers and routers, telecom and Internet infrastructure, and e-readers.

Key features of the STTS751:

• 2.25V operation from -40 degrees C to +125 degrees C
• Conversion time: 21ms (typical, at 10-bit resolution)
• Programmable, with 10 different conversion rates and four different resolutions
• 0.0625 to 32 conversions per sec
• 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-bit resolution
• Dual Alarms: interrupt and thermostat
• Slave addresses possible per device type
• SMBus 2.0 Alert Response Address (ARA) and Timeout support

The STTS751 is available immediately in a choice of 6-pin 2 x 2mm UDFN-6L leadless package or a leaded SOT23-6L package, priced from $0.22 for a minimum quantity of 1000 units. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.

Further information is available at www.st.com/tempsensors.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2009, the Company's net revenues were $8.51 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 

SOURCE STMicroelectronics