STMicroelectronics has launched a new smart-reset chip that allows the system to be restarted safely without removing the battery or finding a tool to push the reset button, usually hidden behind a hole in the casing.
According to STMicroelectronics, the new STM65xx family of smart-reset integrated circuits (IC) has two inputs that can be connected to two of the device’s normal function buttons. When it is held down for a certain time, the IC will send a reset signal to the main processor. The two inputs and programmable delay time allow a combination of button presses and hold-down times to guard against unintended resets. It also includes system-controlled supervision.
The company said that the new offering will enhance users experience by providing a safe, convenient and easily understood means of restarting those frozen gadgets. For manufacturers, combining an improved manual reset with the system-controlled reset functions in a single chip offers better performance and saves cost and pc-board space, the company said.
In addition, by allowing the manual reset to be controlled from the normal user buttons, the STM65xx can enable product designers to eliminate the traditional hidden reset requiring an access hole in the casing. This can save tooling costs and also provides an opportunity to create splash-resistant or waterproof new products, the company added.
