STMicroelectronics Completes Full Portfolio of IP for Mobile Hard-Disk-Drive Manufacturers

Offers full kit of System-on-Chip, pre-amplifier, and motor controller IP for small form-factor hard-disk drives used in laptops and portable consumer applications

Geneva, October 03,2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in hard disk drive (HDD) and system-on-chip solutions, today announced completion of its portfolio of IP (Intellectual Property) required to design, manufacture, and supply HDD manufacturers with all the ICs needed for the small form-factor drives used in mobile applications, such as laptop PCs and portable music players.

The latest IP is the T90LP (Low Power) Read-Channel macro, which enables production of System-on-Chip (SoC) ICs using ST’s 90nm process technology, optimized for notebook and consumer HDD applications that demand very low power consumption.The new 90nm T90LP design is based on ST’s successful desktop and high-end ‘Tintoretto’ read-write channel architecture, which enables high data rates to be achieved while maintaining very low power dissipation. The new T90LP read-channel is designed to operate at data rates between 80 and 550MHz and its power is optimized for use in 0.85- to 1.8-inch form-factor drives. In addition, compatibility with the T90 family of read-channel macros ensures maximum firmware compatibility for the customer, reducing time-to-market and increasing the value of their investment.

Other critical HDD IP are the Head Pre-amplifier and the Motor Controller, both of which are also available standalone ICs as part of ST’s complete IC kit intended for power-sensitive mobile application HDDs. ST is the only silicon supplier able to offer manufacturers a complete solution – including all of the ASICs, discretes, and memories – that are needed within a low-power drive, giving manufacturers a single reliable source of supply for all the parts.

ST’s Near Zero Power (NZP) series of HDD pre-amplifiers are an open-market evolution of the company’s ULP (Ultra Low Power) family, featuring unprecedented low power coupled with a data rate capability five times higher than the previous generation drives. These amplifiers are specifically intended for drives with platters smaller than 2.5-inch diameter. Total Write-mode power consumption of the L6440/L6420, the first integrated circuit in the NZP family, is just 170mW at 450-Mbits/sec data rate, enabling manufacturers to offer longer battery lifetime between charges, or more compact products, using a smaller battery, with the same battery life.

The recently announced L7208 and the L7207 HDD Motor Controllers integrate all of the IP and circuits needed to control and drive the HDD spindle motor and voice coil actuator – including all the necessary power FETs (Field Effect Transistors). While the L7207 is intended for 2.5-inch drives, the L7208 is specifically designed for 1.8-inch and sub-1.8-inch drives. Based on a flexible digital architecture which needs few external components, both the devices  include ST’s Smooth Drive® pseudo-sinusoidal digital-drive technique to minimize the acoustic noise from the spindle motor. Both devices have been designed to extend battery life; in addition to a highly efficient sleep mode, power consumption is extremely low in all operating modes.

“ST’s low power disk drive IP and product portfolio allows manufacturers to pick and choose exactly the right products to meet their requirements across different target applications, from 2.5-inch drives down to 1 inch and below,” said Roberto Fantechi, General Manager of ST’s Data Storage Division. “Manufacturers also have the cost savings and convenience of using a single vendor for all of their silicon, from the standard devices to the ASICs and high-performance products.”

Samples of the L6440 Head Pre-amplifier and the L7208 Motor Controller are available now. The T90LP Read Channel macro will be available for integration in SoCs in Q4 2006.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.