ST7 chips with data EEPROM

[zsavov]

Posted on March 04, 2008 at 05:51

ST7 chips with data EEPROM

[zsavov]

Posted on March 03, 2008 at 21:58

Hi,

I need a CPU that has >=384 bytes RAM and has some data EEPROM. There are some LITE chips but for me they are out of question as their timers lack versatility (they run forever and cannot be reset at will from the software). The only remaining ones are ST72F344/345. What is their life stage? Are they at the end of their life? Would it be safe to use them in new designs? Thank you

[fggnrc]

Posted on March 04, 2008 at 05:51

As I said in my previous post, I think that the STM8A family will replace the mid-range ST7 microcontrollers.

As far as I know, their features match your needs, so you have to evaluate the pros and the cons. In my opinion, the pros are: - lower consumption - better code density - faster core - new core (that means more longevity) - upward compatibility (as says ST...) while the cons are: - more expensive (ST press release said nothing about it, that's my opinion) - new programming and debugging tools - just announced (i.e. no available samples) I don't know what is safe for you. If you can afford to wait a year before developing tools and volume production consolidate, the STM8AF6146T is the best choice (in my opinion); otherwise use known tools and micros (and buy a big stock of ST72F344/345 when their state becomes ''Not For New Designs''). Regards, EtaPhi