STMicroelectronics Introduces Voltage-Agnostic MEMS-Based Motion Sensor for Mobile...

STMicroelectronics Introduces Voltage-Agnostic MEMS-Based Motion Sensor for
Mobile Phones and Other Portable Devices

GENEVA, March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the
leading supplier of motion-sensing chips for consumer and portable
applications(1), has expanded its portfolio of ultra-compact, high-performance
MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) sensors with a 3-axis accelerometer
with absolute analog output. Able to operate with any supply voltage in the
range of 2.16V to 3.6V and extremely stable over temperature and time, ST's
LIS352AX is a perfect fit for motion-sensing applications in space- and
cost-constrained battery-operated devices.

ST's newest 3-axis motion sensor has been designed to provide acceleration
values in the form of absolute analog outputs. Taking advantage of internal
regulated voltage, the measurements are insensitive to the typical variations
in power-supply voltage that occur in battery-operated devices, such as mobile
phones and other portable devices. Benefits of this unique approach are
twofold: equipment manufacturers can save space and cost by connecting the
sensor directly to the battery without a separate voltage regulator; they also
gain design flexibility, since the sensor is compatible with any power supply
voltage used in a given application.

The LIS352AX boasts high stability over a wide temperature range for both
zero-g offset and sensitivity. With the offset drift (temperature variation)
around plus or minus 0.3mg/degree Celsius, ST's new sensor is one of the most
stable devices in the market, eliminating the need for further temperature
compensation in the application.

Housed in an environment-friendly 3 x 5 x 1 mm3 plastic package, the LIS352AX
provides extremely accurate output across a full-scale range of +/-2.0g. The
device operates at a very low noise level with minimized power consumption,
which is especially critical in battery-operated portable systems.

The accelerometer's ultra-compact robust design provides very high immunity to
vibration and shock survivability up to 10,000g. Built-in self-test capability
allows the customer to verify the functioning of the sensor after it has been
assembled on board.

ST's MEMS accelerometers target a wide range of low-g applications across
consumer and industrial market segments, including free-fall detection for
data-integrity protection in hard-disk drives, vibration monitoring and
compensation, remote control, as well as motion user interfaces in mobile and
gaming devices or portable media players.

Samples of ST's LIS352AX are available now, with volume production starting in
June 2009. Unit pricing is $1.3 for quantities over 10,000 pieces a year.

For further information on ST's complete MEMS portfolio, see www.st.com/mems.

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 2008, the Company's net revenues were
$9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

(1) iSuppli - December 2008

SOURCE STMicroelectronics

Michael Markowitz of STMicroelectronics, +1-212-821-8959,
michael.markowitz@st.com