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New High Voltage Bipolar Transistor Technology from STMicroelectronics Aids CRT Revival


WEBWIRE

Geneva, December 9, 2005 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, has introduced a new family of high-voltage power bipolar transistors, the HD1 family, that is specifically designed to meet the challenging requirements for horizontal deflection in new high-definition and ‘Super-Slim’ CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays.

Although traditional CRT displays have lost ground in recent years to flat-screen displays based on LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or PDP (Plasma Display Panel) technologies that take up significantly less space on the desk or in the living room, CRT technology continues to offer better display quality and lower costs. The CRT display is making a fight back with a new breed of so-called ‘Super-Slim’ CRT displays in which the depth of the display is reduced by typically 30%, resulting in a footprint comparable to that of LCD displays.

Because these new displays employ pictures tubes of significantly reduced depth, the angle through which the electron beam must be deflected during each horizontal scan is increased from 110o to typically 124o, which places stringent new demands on the bipolar power transistors that control the flow of current through the horizontal deflection coils.

To meet this requirement, the HD1 devices are built with a new, proprietary high-voltage bipolar technology, EHVS1 (Enhanced High Voltage Structure), which features a float-zone collector on a diffused substrate with a redesigned high voltage edge structure. Due to the reduction of capacitance in the base-collector junction by the use of a special deep-base process, the new HD1 devices are able to sustain very high breakdown voltages (up to 1700V), while simultaneously offering both high-current capability and high switching speeds.

A major benefit of the EHVS1 technology is that HD1 devices offer a wider range of optimum drive conditions, typically allowing up to 15% variation in base current around the optimum value. This allows power losses to be minimized over a wider range of operating conditions. For example, under worst-case conditions in a wide-screen 100Hz TV application the HD1750FX device consumes only 10W, about 1W less than the best competitive solution. The HD1 devices also exhibit a lower sensitivity to operating temperature variations and an extended RBSOA (Reverse Bias Safe Operating Area) for more reliable and consistent switching performance, as well as reduced saturation voltage at high current.

Both reduced power losses and its very high switching frequency (over 100kHz) also make the HD1 series ideal for high-end digital TVs, rear-projection TVs as well as for professional monitor displays such as those required for working station and medical applications.

The new range includes devices with 1500V and 1700V maximum VCES values, with maximum collector currents ranging from 24A (HD1520FX) to 50A (HD1760JL).

The devices are available in TO-264 or ISOWATT218FX packages. Samples of all devices are available now with prices ranging from $1.0 to $1.8.

ST is one of the world’s leading suppliers of semiconductor devices for the TV/monitor market, with a market share of around 20%, and is the world’s second largest supplier of bipolar transistors, according to market analyst iSuppli.

About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.

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 2004, the Company’s net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.



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