Bi-Core Controller Manages USB Flash Drives

The ST72681 bi-core, USB 2.0 flash-drive controller employs an ST7 8-bit microcontroller architecture in tandem with a 16-bit, one-cycle-per-instruction I/O processor, and a Reed-Solomon error-correction processor for MLC flash devices. Both processors operate at 30 MHz, enabling read and write speeds of 12 MB/s and 10 MB/s, respectively. Useable with different brands of NAND flash, the device is certified by USB-IF as having the industry’s lowest power consumption— 50 mA operating and 290 mA in suspend mode. A set of production tools are available that include Vendor ID, Product ID, serial-number customization, LED setting, formatting, boot capability, and public/private zone partitioning. Available in a TQFP48 package and in die form, pricing starts at $1.60 each/10,000. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550