Flexible Electronics News

STMicroelectronics Perfects Advanced Process Technology for New Generation of Sensor Electronics

First 16V op-amps using advanced new process reach the market

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By: DAVID SAVASTANO

Contributing Editor, Coatings World and Ink World

STMicroelectronics has revealed a new generation of ICs using an advanced manufacturing process that helps save energy, improve accuracy and simplify the design of sensors for applications from automotive electronics to smart buildings and industrial controls.

The new ICs are miniature amplifiers (op-amps) used to condition very small sensor signals. Benefiting from the advanced 16V CMOS manufacturing process, developed in-house, ST’s new op-amps deliver better accuracy than existing devices, with greater long-term stability. Moreover, the process enables tiny die sizes permitting ultra-small surface-mount packages. Extremely low power consumption makes the op-amps ideal for battery or solar-powered equipment.

The new op-amps also have enhanced electro-static discharge protection, up to 4 kV, and can operate from -40°C to 125°C, allowing use in harsh industrial or automotive environments. ST will release automotive-qualified versions of these devices in 2013.

The TSX561, TSX562 and TSX564,containing one (single), two (dual) and four (quad) op-amps respectively, operate over a wide supply-voltage range from 3V to 16V. The TSX56 series are in mass production now, priced from $0.50 depending on the configuration/package, in quantities of 1,000 units.

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