STMicroelectronics Introduces First Single-Chip Level Translators for Mobile Phone Memory Cards

STMicroelectronics Introduces First Single-Chip Level Translators for Mobile Phone Memory Cards

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in analog ICs, today announced two 6-bit level translators – available in the tiny 3 x 3mm µTFBGA25 package – intended for interfacing the 1.8V or 2.5V signals of mobile phones and other products with the nominal 3.3V levels used by plug-in memory cards. The ST6G3238E includes ESD protection circuits that provide up to 8kV protection on the memory port, enabling direct connection to the external card slot.

Integrated ESD protection and Card Detect features minimize board space requirement for mobile devices and consumer electronics products that use external memory cards

An integrated 40-Ohm series resistor on each card-side input aids EMI noise reduction, while on-chip pull-up resistors are provided on the Card Detect and Write Protect Detection inputs. ESD protection on the microprocessor port is 2kV. These two devices are the first single-chip level translator solutions on the market for mobile phones and related products.

High memory density, physically small memory cards, such as the SD, Mini-SD and MMC formats, are increasingly common features of mobile phones, set-top boxes (STBs) and PDAs. The new ST6G3238E is a compact, high-speed and highly cost-effective device for building the interface to an external card, with contact ESD protection and card detection.