Date: 21/02/2012

New version of reset ICs from ST

STMicroelectronics has introduced a new version of its Smart Reset chip. The STM6524, dual-assert Smart Reset IC has two inputs to connect to a selected pair of buttons on an electronic gadget. When these buttons are held down simultaneously for a manufacturer-specified time, the IC sends a reset signal to the main processor. The combination of two inputs and programmable delay time effectively prevents accidental resets. ST is also introducing a new single-assert Smart Reset IC, the STM6519, which targets single-button electronic devices like tablets and e-readers, with a similar programmable delay reset.

"The proliferation and complexity of mobile apps, operating system versions, and hardware platforms have inevitably brought about interoperability issues, with consumers increasingly experiencing frozen operation, or the 'White Screen of Death,' on their portable devices," said Alberto De Marco, Director of Standard & HiRel Products Business Unit at STMicroelectronics."ST's stand-alone smart resets deliver a reliable and risk-free reset mechanism - an important factor in maintaining user satisfaction and brand adherence in today's fragmented and highly competitive mobile market."

The new generation of ST's Smart Reset IC offers several improvements over existing solutions: in addition to a smaller package size, the new devices implement a customizable extended input delay time, from 0.5 to 10 seconds, which increases flexibility and enables manufacturers to distinguish their products through specific user-interface settings. The new smart resets also integrate a dedicated test mode, which improves device testability and slashes test costs.

The STM6519 and STM6524 smart reset ICs are available in volumes, with unit pricing at $0.242 and $0.338 respectively, in quantities of 1,000 pieces.