STMicroelectronics Introduces Highly Integrated Microcontroller with Embedded Programmable Logic for Wireless Infrastructure Applications

GreenFIELD-STW21000 significantly reduces external component count therefore reducing total cost and power consumption

San Francisco, Ca., Embedded Systems Conference, March 9, 2005 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading developer of system-on-chip (SOC) solutions for the wireless market, has today disclosed details of a multi-purpose microcontroller that targets applications in wireless infrastructure equipment. Under the development name ‘GreenFIELD’ and part number, STW21000, the new chip combines an ARM926EJ-S 330 MIPS RISC processor core, 16-Mbit of on-chip eDRAM memory, an eFPGA (embedded Field-Programmable Gate Array) block, and a wide range of analog and digital peripherals. The GreenFIELD-STW21000 is the second advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) product to be announced from ST’s wireless infrastructure division.

Along with the recently announced ‘GreenSIDE’ (STW51000) multi-standard WCDMA / CDMA2000 / TD-SCDMA / EDGE base-band solution, the GreenFIELD-STW21000 was defined in co-operation with several leading wireless infrastructure manufacturers and represents a major initiative by ST to reduce costs and increase performance in the wireless infrastructure market.

The product offers a very high level of flexibility through its programmable ARM core. In addition, the dedicated eFPGA enables a large variety of interfaces to be reprogrammed on the device, therefore protecting customer investments on the platform and maximizing the possibility of re-use within multiple applications. The GreenFIELD-STW21000 can be used in several different basestation functions such as feedforward and digital pre-distortion radio network controllers, remote control for electrical tilt antennas resulting in easier design and lower overall costs and power.

“Designed together with our customers, GreenFIELD-STW21000 offers a unique opportunity to reduce cost by using the same silicon in a variety of sockets, with the ability to adapt to evolving standards utilizing the versatile combination of programmable core, peripherals and reconfigurable interfaces,” said Daniel Abecassis, Groups Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Wireless Infrastructure Division. “Combining the ARM core, embedded DRAM and embedded FPGA enables ST to deliver a customer-proven adaptable SoC that meets a broad range of critical needs.”

Fabricated using ST’s 130nm high performance CMOS technology, the STW21000 integrates an exceptionally rich mix of technologies uniting, on one chip, high-performance digital logic, processor core, high density DRAM, reconfigurable interfaces and analog peripherals such as A/D and D/A converters. Due to ST’s mature embedded DRAM technology, the GreenFIELD-STW21000 offers a significant amount of embedded on-chip memory (16-Mbit).

To complement the already rich feature offering, ST also has additional availability of:

• On-chip multiple HDLC controllers
• 10/100 Ethernet MACs, GPIOs
• An on-chip memory controller (with support of external DDR SDRAM interface and static device interfaces)
• Multi-channel serial port
• UARTs and I²C interfaces
• Unique Power-On-Reset function

Software development on the programmable logic is supported by an advanced and integrated software tool chain, (encompassing traditional leading FPGA tool providers such as Synopsys, Synplicity and Mentor Graphics) enabling the programming, debug and validation of the reconfigurable interfaces within a unique design environment. The ARM Real ViewTM or any independent third-party software tool chain can be used for the software development on the CPU core.

The GreenFIELD-STW21000 is delivered with a Board Support Package (BSP) to support multiple Operating System (OS) implementations, and application software such as TCP/IP stacks. The STW21000 device is available now with an approximate price of $25 in volume.

For further information on ST’s products for wireless infrastructure applications www.st.com/wirelessinfrastructure

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.