8-bit Microcontroller Family Now Qualified for Automotive Applications

The ST7FMC family features higher system integration compared to alternative microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor (DSP)-based approaches. The micros minimize the need for external components, and reduce Printed Circuit Board (PCB) space, thus lowering the cost of the overall application. The family features an embedded motor-control cell, which includes six-phase Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) control, voltage or current sensing and a highly flexible Back Electromotive Force (BEMF) detector for the sensorless control of permanent-magnet BLDC motors. All the application-specific devices in the family now operate over the full automotive temperature range of -40 degrees C to +125 degrees C and include safety features such as current sensing used for stall detection, asynchronous emergency stop, write-once registers and Clock Security System (CSS). ST’s patented algorithms also enable the motor-control cell to offer unique fail-free motor-starting capabilities.

The higher integration of the family allows reduced code size, while the addition of the motor-control cell minimizes the CPU load to control the motor. In addition an integrated Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication interface and the availability of a complete set of standard peripherals control various application environments.

All devices in the family are supported by an extensive range of state-of-the-art development tools. Dedicated Automotive evaluation and development kits are designed to allow customers to prove device performance in their own applications. Furthermore, the ST7FMC family, with easy-to-use
software and complete motor control C-libraries, delivers advantages in terms of productivity and faster time-to-market.

Housed in tiny TQFP32 and TQFP44 packages, the devices are available now in production volume. Pricing starts from $1.65, depending on the device, in 10,000 unit quantities.