March 12, 2012, Seoul — STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor company in various electronic device applications and a leader in standard ICs, today unveiled its next-generation Smart Reset™ chip. ST’s Smart Reset IC, which has already supplied tens of millions of Smart Reset chips to leading consumer electronics brands, is a safe and convenient way to reset "frozen" electronic devices, such as mobile phones, media players, and other portable consumer devices.

Generally, when an electronic device freezes, users look for a suitable tool to remove the battery or press the reset button located in a small hole that is difficult to reach. However, both of these methods are inconvenient. Smart Reset extends the functionality of existing buttons, allowing users to easily reset the device by pressing and holding one or two buttons. Since the Smart Reset feature does not require additional buttons, equipment manufacturers save space and costs, while users benefit from increased convenience as the popularity of touchscreen devices grows.

Alberto De Marco, General Manager of the High Reliability and Standard Products business unit at STMicroelectronics, stated, “The proliferation and complexity of mobile apps, operating system versions, and hardware platforms have caused interoperability issues, leading consumers to experience devices freezing more frequently,” adding, “ST’s standalone Smart Reset device implements a reliable and risk-free reset mechanism.” "It plays an important role in maintaining user satisfaction and brand loyalty in today's highly competitive mobile market," he said.

ST’s new dual-assert smart reset chip, the STM6524, prevents accidental reset button presses. Two input terminals are connected to a specific pair of buttons on the electronic device. If both buttons are pressed and held simultaneously for a manufacturer-defined duration, the chip sends a reset signal to the main processor. The dual input terminals and a delay setting function prevent accidental resets. Additionally, ST has released the STM6519, a single-assert smart reset chip, to target single-button electronic devices such as tablets and e-readers. This product also offers a configurable delay reset function.

ST's next-generation smart reset ICs offer smaller package sizes and additional functionality to existing solutions. The latest devices support customizable input delay times ranging from 0.5 to 10 seconds. This allows manufacturers to increase flexibility and differentiate their products through specific user interface settings. These advanced smart reset features integrate dedicated test modes, improving device testing capabilities and reducing testing costs.
STM6519 and STM6524 are currently in mass production and are priced at $0.242 and $0.338 per unit, respectively, for orders of 1,000 units.