-- In consumer audio, ST expanded its market share for 'Sound Terminal' products, based on its FFX digital amplification IP, with significant design wins in TV applications at OEMs in China and Taiwan. ST's FFX-based audio products also hit cumulative shipments of 5 million units in 2009.
-- In imaging, ST announced its cooperation with Soitec for the development of wafer-level backside-illumination (BSI) technology on 300mm wafers for next-generation CMOS image sensors in consumer products.
-- In computer peripherals, ST gained a design win from a leading hard-disk-drive manufacturer for a next-generation motor-controller IC, manufactured in ST's proprietary BCD process, for mobile applications.
Industrial and Multi-Segment (IMS) Product Highlights
-- In microcontrollers, ST announced an ultra-low-power technology platform for developing a range of 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers. The platform will enable future generations of electronic products to consume less power, meet evolving energy-efficiency standards, and operate significantly longer from their batteries.
-- In RFID applications, ST's robust SRT512 chip was used in an RFID-based system for re-usable single-journey ticketing in mass transportation; the system has recently gone live on the Seoul Subway in South Korea.
-- In non-volatile memories, ST was first to market with 512-Kbit EEPROMs offering SPI and I2C interfaces in an MLP2x3 package.
-- In MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems), ST introduced a new family of single- and multi-axis MEMS gyroscopes that deliver superior performance and reliability for angular-motion detection in human-machine interface applications, personal- and car-navigation systems, and image stabilization for digital still and video cameras.
-- ST also gained several key design wins for its motion-sensing MEMS accelerometers from world-leading consumer companies for next-generation mobile products, including MP3 players, smart phones and digital still cameras. In addition, ST launched the world's thinnest three-axis digital MEMS accelerometer, which is only 0.75mm high and shares the 3x5mm footprint of other devices in ST's Piccolo MEMS family for use in ultra-space-saving product designs.
-- In energy solutions, ST announced a commercial agreement with Front-Edge Technology, a leading developer of next-generation rechargeable batteries. This agreement enables ST to bring ultra-thin lithium battery technology to a range of markets and applications.
-- In filtering and protection ICs, ST leveraged its IPAD(TM) (Integrated Passive and Active Devices) technology with new deep-attenuation EMI filters and ESD protection devices dedicated to audio interfaces in slim mobile equipment and accessories such as headsets. ST also introduced integrated devices to protect Power-over-Ethernet (PoE and PoE+) power source equipment in telecom and industrial applications, providing space saving of 50% compared to standard solutions.
-- In power conversion ICs, ST announced the VIPerPlus family of off-line SMPS (switched-mode power supply) converters, forming a broad family of AC-DC converters that minimize both standby power consumption and the number of external components required, while enabling easy compliance with Blue Angel, Energy Star and other low-power standards and directives. In addition, an ultra-high-efficiency power management IC from ST was chosen for use by a major set-top-box maker for a next-generation PVR.
-- In power MOSFETs, ST introduced a new family based on its SuperMESH(TM) technology combining higher voltage capability, greater ruggedness, and lower losses than previous devices. The family is suited for use in high-efficiency power supplies for products such as LCD monitors, televisions and energy-saving lamp ballasts. ST also gained its first design-in for its MDmesh(TM) V MOSFET technology for a high-end power-conversion application, along with a number of design wins in computer power-management systems.
-- Also in power applications, ST gained important design wins for DC-DC converters and voltage-regulator ICs from leading brands for a range of applications including set-top boxes and netbooks. ST gained several design wins in Bipolar, IGBT and RF power transistors, for applications including mobile-phone power management from a leading handset maker, with key OEMs in automotive, and also for several industrial applications.
-- In advanced analog, ST achieved many design wins in mobile computing applications, including a key win for its 'S-Touch' touch-sensor controller IC with a world leader in PCs. Also in analog, ST gained multiple design wins for its linear devices, in addition to launching three new families of precision op-amps targeting low-power and portable products with power-saving features, aimed at applications including portable medical equipment, instrumentation and sensor interfaces.
ST-Ericsson Highlights
-- In May, ST-Ericsson announced a strategic partnership with China Mobile to drive development of both high-end and low-cost handsets, based on 3G standard TD-SCDMA. ST-Ericsson will also support four of its customers to commercialize their mobile phones during 2009-2010.
-- In June, the company strengthened its partnership with Samsung by providing an innovative platform for its first high-end TD-SCDMA/EDGE device for China's mobile broadband market.
-- The company also announced mass production of its highly integrated RF transceiver solution to reduce cost and system footprint in 3G handsets. ST-Ericsson's Aero4228 solution eliminates the need for expensive external filter components typically required to complete today's mobile handset designs.