Batteries in Handhelds Will Run and Last Longer with New Monitoring Device from STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading manufacturer of standard ICs, today introduced a new battery monitoring "gas gauge" for handheld applications. ST's STC3105 combines the industry's smallest footprint with outstanding measurement accuracy and miserly power consumption to increase battery runtime and lifespan in mobile phones, multimedia players, digital cameras, and other space-constrained portable gadgets. ST's newest battery-monitor IC delivers high-precision measurement of the battery voltage and current in a 2 x 3 x 0.8 mm package, which makes it the smallest-in-class device in the market. The IC uses open-circuit voltage and coulomb-counter methods to estimate the battery capacity and to supervise and track charge/discharge status. Accurate predictions of the battery state of charge and time-to-empty help avoid unnecessary re-charging, extend operating time between charges, and lengthen the battery lifespan in portable applications. The STC3105 boasts low supply-current requirements - 60 μA typical - which also contribute to extending the battery runtime and lifespan. The power-saving mode reduces current consumption in the IC, as well as enabling low standby-power levels in the final application. Integrating a programmable alarm output, the STC3105 can alert the system when the battery state of charge is below a certain level. Such embedded intelligence helps initiate appropriate power-management actions when the battery is nearly empty without involving the system microcontroller, enabling the microcontroller to spend longer times in a sleep mode, decreasing the overall power consumption. The STC3105 stand-alone battery-monitoring IC, with alarm output, is available in volumes, with unit pricing at $1.00 in quantities of 1,000 pieces. 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 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com