USB ADSL Modem uses simplified circuit board.

Press Release Summary:



With component count of less than 135 external devices, Unicorn II USB (Universal Serial Bus) ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Loop) chip set fits on 2-layer, single-sided PCB. Chipset is comprised of ST70138 digital chip with integrated discrete multi-tone engine, USB controller, and USB physical-layer interface. It also includes MTC20174, which integrates analog front end, line driver, and digitally-controlled crystal oscillator.



Original Press Release:



USB ADSL Modem from STMicroelectronics Shatters 10 Euro Full Modem Cost Barrier



Full modem uses few external components and a simple printed circuit board

Geneva, October 13, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced availability of its Unicorn II USB (Universal Serial Bus) ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Loop) chip set, which cuts overall system cost to the lowest in the industry. The new product enables manufacturers to produce an ADSL USB modem package below the magical 10 barrier. In addition to slashing overall system cost, the Unicorn's overall physical layer and throughput performance makes it a best-in-class product.

Compared to its predecessor Unicorn I, the Bill of Materials of the Unicorn II has been reduced by more than 20% due to the integration of external components. With a component count of less than 135 external devices, the complete system solution can easily fit on a small, two-layer, single-sided pc-board, reducing overall pc-board cost by 40%.

"This product is a major advance in ST's digital technology roadmap, leapfrogging two generations of USB ADSL chipsets," said Christophe Rollin, Director of the Access Terminal Business Unit, Telecom Group, STMicroelectronics. "The Unicorn II chipset forms the core of an ADSL Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) modem based upon ST's unique, field-proven architecture already deployed in many countries. ST's experience has enabled us to design a truly cost-effective product that meets the demands of the market."

The Unicorn II chipset is comprised of a digital chip (ST70138) with integrated Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT) engine, USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller and USB Physical-layer interface (PHY), and the MTC20174 which integrates the Analog Front End (AFE), line driver, and Digitally-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (DCXO). Due to the controller-less nature of the architecture, an external SDRAM is not needed in the Bill of Materials.

The chipset is supplied with field-proven software drivers for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems and comes with a comprehensive, tested, and fully customizable driver suite that also includes several diagnostic tools, helping operators and ISPs to reduce their help-desk cost. An available, complete reference design that includes schematics, pc-board layout, bill of materials, and documentation completes the offering.

The Unicorn II chipset is sampling now and will be available for mass production during Q4 2004 at a $7 unit-pricing for quantities of 10,000 units.

About ST's xDSL Portfolio

With over 76 million ports shipped, ST's xDSL products are the most commonly integrated and widely deployed in the market. As a leading innovator in the field of DSL, and one of the founders of the technology, ST's strong patent position has enabled the Company to provide equipment manufacturers with solutions that are high performing, cost-effective, and flexible. Blue-chip equipment manufacturers use ST products across client equipment, central office and router segments and ST offers optimized packages to meet the specific needs of customers in various market segments.

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 (Borsa Italiana). In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

STMicroelectronics, Inc.
Lexington Corporate Center
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Lexington, MA 02421
(781) 861 2650
www.st.com

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