Ericsson Announces License Agreement with ST for Bluetooth version 1.2

- Ericsson Technology Licensing today announced that they have signed a license agreement with ST for Ericsson’s new Bluetooth baseband core, which implements the complete range of mandatory Bluetooth 1.2 features. ST will embed the Ericsson Core Bluetooth Baseband Platform Q-E1 in future Bluetooth products, starting with a single-chip Bluetooth solution with full v1.2 functionality that is currently in development.

Products compliant with the Bluetooth v1.2 specification offer features such as faster connection times, enhanced voice quality and adaptive frequency hopping, for improved coexistence with other wireless technologies. ST’s new chip will be fully compliant with the new standard, backwards compatible with all v1.1 solutions and interoperable with all current Bluetooth solutions.

ST’s new Bluetooth designs benefit from the advanced capabilities of the company’s low power HCMOS9 (0.13 micron) technology, such as low leakage currents, translating to a superior battery life performance. The technology allows seamless integration of RF, power management and digital functionality into one silicon die.

“Integration to the v1.2 standard requires an upgrade of software and baseband along with detailed testing for interoperability standards,” said Jacques Wenin, ST’s Bluetooth Business Unit Director. “This is a serious technical challenge that requires a lot of resources and manufacturing know-how. We chose Ericsson due to their large base of experienced staff in Bluetooth wireless technology and the assurance that their Intellectual Property (IP) will be interoperable with other deployed solutions.”

“STMicroelectronics is a key developer of technologies for the PC, access-point, and mobile marketplace,” said Maria Khorsand, President of Ericsson Technology Licensing. “We are proud to be selected once again as ST’s Bluetooth partner. Our Bluetooth 1.2 platform will ensure ST a fast time to market for a single chip with full 1.2 capability. It strengthens our alliance and is an injection to the entire Bluetooth community, which needs major semiconductor vendors like ST to be fully committed to Bluetooth.”

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Johan Åkesson, Marketing Director
Ericsson Technology Licensing AB
Phone: +46 706 41 63 70
E-mail: johan.akesson@ebt.ericsson.se

Peter Olofsson, Director Public Relations
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Corporate Communications
Phone: + 46 8 719 18 80, + 46 70 267 34 45
E-mail: peter.olofsson@lme.ericsson.se

About Ericsson Technology Licensing
Ericsson Technology Licensing develops state-of-the-art Bluetooth design solutions optimized for mobile communication, computing and media devices. As a major driving force behind the Bluetooth initiative, we have been instrumental in the development of Bluetooth wireless technology from a simple idea into a widely acclaimed industry standard. Our complete portfolio of IP Cores for Bluetooth baseband and radio together with a complete Bluetooth software package, qualification services, training and design services provides semiconductor and original equipment manufacturers the fastest, most reliable course for implementing Bluetooth wireless technology in new products.

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 2002, the Company’s net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.