STMicroelectronics smart card lets operators expand premium content, services with smaller chip for lower power needs
Nov 4, 2008 8:53 AM
The new STMicroelectronics smart card processors feature a highly secure architecture and 90nm embedded flash technology.
Two new processors from STMicroelectronics boost support for advanced SIM-based features, enabling operators to deliver richer revenue-generating services
Both the ST32 and ST33 smart card processor families use ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit processor architecture; the SC300 secure version is combined with large embedded flash memory. All of the new processors use STMicroelectronics’ 90nm embedded flash technology to improve capabilities, reduce power needs and price, and shrink chip size.
The ARM SC300 architecture is designed specifically for contactless and USB smart cards and embedded security applications, allowing more functionality to be embedded in a smart or SIM card with less silicon area. The SC300 processor features fast, real-time multi-interface handling.
The ST32 family offers a choice of memory sizes through the ST32F416 and ST32F512 at 416kb and 512kb of embedded flash, respectively, and addresses the 128K and 256K 2G and 3G markets. Additional ST32 devices with lower memory densities are planned for future release.
The ST33 family targets the high-security SIM market. The ST33F1M features 1.2Mb of embedded flash with 30kb of RAM, a Single-Wire Protocol interface for Near Field Communication connectivity and an advanced cryptographic coprocessor. Its large, embedded flash memory lets telecom operators enrich their SIM cards’ multimedia content.
All the new devices meet industry standards for SIM card interfaces and communication, including ISO7816-3. They support standard power-management features for mobile handsets and meet GSM and ETSI current consumption standards. Scheduled for early 2009 production, the ST32F416 and ST32F512 are sampling now, with the ST33F1M to begin sampling in February 2009 for June production.
For more information, visit www.st.com/stonline/products/families/smartcard/index.htm.
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