STMicroelectronics’ New Nomadik® Chipset Boosts Multimedia Performance in Next-Generation Mobile Applications

ST’s latest mobile processor platform delivers HD video in real-time, 50 hours of hi-fi music and life-like 3D gaming

Geneva, STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leader in delivering high-performance, low-power multimedia solutions for next-generation mobile products, introduced a chipset that couples ST’s new multimedia application processor with a companion audio and power-management chip. This powerful platform raises the bar in mobile multimedia, enabling smart phones and other portable devices to record and share high-definition video clips, receive mobile TV, playback days of hi-fi music and deliver a state-of-the-art 3D gaming experience.

A key element of the new chipset, ST’s Nomadik® STn8820 application processor, combines distributed high-performance multi-core processing with ultra-low power consumption. The device integrates programmable smart accelerators for high-definition video, multi-channel audio, DSC-class (Digital Still Camera) imaging and 2D/3D graphics, together with a powerful general-purpose ARM1176 core running at up to 532MHz.

Manufactured in ST’s 65nm low-power CMOS process, the STn8820 handles video at up to HD 720p resolution and plays all major standards, such as H.264 and VC-1, enabling video-on-the-go on any HDTV set. The embedded imaging engine produces high-quality still images at up to 8-megapixel resolution. The audio engines deliver days of music playback in hi-fi quality and the display and graphics engines enable 3D user interfaces and vivid gaming experiences by leveraging the OpenGL-ES2.0 geometry peak performance of 33 million Polygons per second.

A Nomadik companion chip, the STw4820, integrates supply and power management for both the application processor and device peripherals. The highly configurable and programmable chip features a +100dB audio codec sub-system, accessory detection capabilities and a touchscreen interface. An embedded high-speed USB-OTG (USB On-The-Go) transceiver offers fast data transfer and synchronization.

With its high level of integration, the STw4820 reduces component costs and board-area requirements with no compromise in functionality. Compared with solutions based on several chips and discrete components, ST’s new audio and power manager saves as much as 30% of the Bill-of-Materials and 40% of the device footprint.

“ST’s Nomadik application processor brings consumer-device multimedia experience to wireless mobile devices,” said Monica de Virgiliis, General Manager of the Wireless Multimedia Division within ST’s Mobile, Multimedia & Communications Group. “The unique combination of superior processing performance with ultra-low power consumption will enable handset users to watch high-definition video in real time, play music in hi-fi quality, or immerse themselves in the life-like settings of a 3D world.”

In addition to smart phones, ST’s new Nomadik chipset can be used in mobile Internet devices, mobile computers, portable multimedia and navigation devices, and in-car entertainment systems.

Samples of the new Nomadik chipset (STn8820 + STw4820) are available now, with volume production planned for Q4 2008. Chipset pricing is $37 each in quantities of 10,000.

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 2007, the Company's net revenues were $10.0 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.