Multimedia Processors target mobile devices.

Press Release Summary:



Nomadik(TM) STn8810 features 264-350 MHz ARM926EJ processor, smart video and audio accelerators, and power management unit. It encodes or decodes 30 frame/s VGA-resolution MPEG-4, H.263, and H.264 video, as well as 5-Mpixel/s JPEG images and 24-bit audio with noise reduction, echo canceling, and surround effects. With chip-stacking technology, Model STn8811 combines STn8810 processor with 256 Mbits of SDRAM and 512 Mbits of NAND Flash memory, while Model STn8812 increases SDRAM to 512 Mbits.



Original Press Release:



STMicroelectronics Unveils Trio of Nomadik Mobile Multimedia Processors that Lead the Way to Improved User Experience, Security, and Space Savings



An advanced processor and unique chip-stacking technology lay the foundation for building advanced mobile features and functions into a minimal footprint

GENEVA, Feb. 14 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced availability of the first three additions to its award- winning(1) Nomadik(TM) family of mobile multimedia application processors. The new members, the STn8810, STn8811, and STn8812, lay the foundation for offering cell phones and other mobile multimedia products compelling features, functions, and services that were previously out of reach. At the same time, each device remains 100 percent software compatible with its predecessor, the STn8800, while continuing the Nomadik family intrinsic qualities of ultra low power consumption, scalable performance, open platform strategy, exceptional video and audio quality, and affordability.

Among the applications seen for the new Nomadik family members are smart cell phones, feature phone and wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), Internet appliances, and car entertainment systems, all able to play-back prerecorded media content; record pictures and video clips; and provide real- time, bidirectional audio-visual communications.

Of the three new Nomadik family members, the STn8810 succeeds the STn8800 with improved video and audio performance, advanced power management features, and a comprehensive security framework to protect sensitive data. The two other new family members build on the STn8810 by literally stacking it-in one ultra-space-saving package--with both SDRAM and Flash memories, a unique industry achievement. Specifically, the STn8811 combines the STn8810 processor with 256 Mbits of SDRAM and 512 Mbits of NAND Flash memory. Its sibling, the STn8812, is similar but increases the amount of SDRAM to 512 Mbits, without increasing the footprint.

"By marrying key features like high performance, data security, small size, and power efficiency, these additions to the Nomadik family of mobile multimedia processors are poised to put cash in the pockets of mobile multimedia service providers," said Loic Lietar, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST's Application Processor and Portable Platform Division. "Service providers will at once be able to offer attractive, billable features while protecting their revenue stream from piracy while delivering features to end users that they'll find useful and valuable."

At the heart of the STn8810 are a 264- to 350-MHz ARM926EJ processor (the STn8800 used a 200-MHz processor), smart video and audio accelerators, and an advanced power management unit. These features combine to encode or decode 30- frame/s VGA-resolution MPEG-4, H.263, and H.264 video, as well as 5-Mpixel/s JPEG images and 24-bit audio with noise reduction, echo canceling, stereo enhancements, and surround effects. Other multimedia features of the STn8810 include built-in 3D software and a comprehensive audio library.

In addition, the STn8810's advanced, complete security framework protects access to secured RAM and ROM, enabling safe M-commerce, authentication, and digital rights management that consumers and suppliers will feel confident using. The framework includes SHA-1 and DES/3DES hardware accelerators, antitamper protection, secure boot loader, a true random-number generator, secured watchdog timer, and unique die identification.

Among its rich array of peripheral-device interfaces, which include simultaneous TV and color LCD outputs and a camera input, the STn8810 integrates a high-speed (12-Mb/s) USB-On-The-Go port and a MultiMediaCard, SD Card, and SDIO controller. As part if it's open platform approach, the STn8810 supports Linux, Symbian, and WinCE operating systems.

Maintaining their focus on ensuring the Nomadik processors deliver long battery life, the STn8810 avoids using high clock frequencies wherever possible. The processors cut additional unnecessary power use in several other ways, including using smart accelerators and distributed processing to assign tasks to parts of the system that can perform them most efficiently while cutting the CPU's workload; execute code efficiently using innovative algorithms; use an energy-efficient instruction set architecture, and Java acceleration; use data compression, buffering, and image scaling to make efficient use of on-chip data bandwidth; and powering down inactive on-chip circuits and keeping the CPU in a power-saving mode, as much as possible.

The STn8811 and STn8812 build on the STn8810 by stacking their respective amounts of both SDRAM and Flash memories in pin-compatible packages - a technology that STMicroelectronics has mastered for commercial use. In addition to saving space - the footprint of the stacked chips is the same as that for the STn8810 - a critical factor for today's compact clamshell designs, these stacked versions give manufacturers unprecedented flexibility on the production line. In addition, the stacked versions promise lower product costs, added system security, faster data throughput, and future performance enhancements.

The STn8810 sells for $15 in quantities of 10,000. Samples are available now, with production quantities expected in Q3 2005.

(1) The STn8800 Nomadik multimedia platform received Microprocessor Report's 2004 Best Application Processor of the Year Award. The first of the Nomadik family, the chip combines an ARM processor core with programmable "smart" accelerators that independently and concurrently perform key audio and video processing functions. Noteworthy features of the STn8800 include superlative audio and video performance, scalability, ultralow power consumption, and simplified software development.

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 http://www.st.com/.

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