The STM6600 and STM6601 from STMicroelectronics are controllers that protect against the hazards faced by battery-operated devices. They enable and disable power for the application depending on push-button states, signals from the processor and battery voltage.

If the battery is excessively discharged or a fault is detected in the power supply, the IC blocks power-up. It also implements smart-reset capabilities to enable users to safety recover devices that have frozen or crashed during normal operation.

These new chips will enable next-generation mobile products to offer easy-to-use “power-up”, “power-down” and “unfreeze/reset” functions that will prevent damage to the end-user product. In addition, these single-chip turn-key solutions significantly ease the design task for leading mobile and portable consumer manufacturers, enabling the replacement of “tens” of discrete electronic components in product design.