STMicroelectronics Introduces Next-Generation Secure MCUs Based on 0.13-micron Process Technology

Cost-efficient solution for banking applications integrates latest security features for EMVCo certification 

Geneva, September 13,2007 - STMicroelectronics, a leading supplier of smartcard ICs to the financial sector, today announced a new family of secure microcontrollers based on a 0.13-micron state-of-the-art process technology, which are intended for banking, loyalty card and other financial applications. This advanced family is based on the new ST23 secure platform, which takes advantage of the most recent improvements in security technology and offers optimized computing power for advanced secure applications.

The ST23YS02 and ST23YS08 integrate 2 and 8 Kbytes of EEPROM, respectively. Competitive pricing, aided by their 0.13-micron manufacturing process, makes them ideal for a range of finance applications, but particularly for EMV migration from magnetic stripe to SDA (Static Data Authentication) Chip and PIN cards. A simplified architecture makes them easy to use to further reduce costs for code developers.

Both MCUs embed an eDES (enhanced DES) accelerator and support AES (Advanced Encryption Services) cryptography, and are certified to meet current EMVCo requirements. They provide ISO and IART interfaces, with planned additions to the family including crypto-processor and contactless products.

“ST’s new 0.13-micron family builds on more than 20 years experience in the design and manufacture of secure products for the banking industry, and is supported by our expertise in advanced non-volatile memories,” said Marie-France Florentin, ST’s Smartcard ICs Business Director. “Incorporating the security improvements developed over the last two years, the first small-memory devices in the family offer highly cost effective solutions for SDA migration and loyalty cards.”

Samples of the ST23YS08 will be available from September 2007, with volume production planned for November; the ST23YS02 will sample in December 2007 and will be available in volume from January 2008. Both devices are supplied in wafer form or as micro-modules.

Pricing for the ST23YS08 is $0.80 in quantities of 100,000 units.

About EMVCo

EMVCo LLC was formed in February 1999 by Europay, MasterCard and Visa, to manage, maintain and enhance the EMV™ Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems. With the acquisition of Europay by MasterCard in 2002 and JCB International joining the organization in 2005, EMVCo is currently operated by JCB International, MasterCard International, and Visa International.

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 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.