STMicroelectronics Showcases Acclaimed Expertise and Skills in MEMS

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for consumer and portable applications,(1) today announced that Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of its MEMS, Sensors and High Performance Analog Division, will deliver a keynote speech at the SEMICON Taiwan 2011 MEMS Forum.  

In his SEMICON keynote, Vigna will explore the concept of Art and Science in MEMS and the importance of both aspects. "Genius, innovation, courage, agility and a culture of partnership have been the key elements of ST's success in MEMS, as a technology development partner and an integrated device manufacturer. It is the unique combination of insight and creativity, this mastery of both the science and art that underlies our leadership and the ability to create new markets and drive the development of new MEMS applications in all domains of life."

STMicroelectronics has a long history and expertise in high-volume production of MEMS sensors and actuators, starting from the first thermofluidic MEMS inkjet print heads almost twenty years ago. As the first major manufacturer to start high-volume MEMS production on 8-inch silicon wafers as early as in 2006, ST launched the Consumer MEMS revolution by making motion sensors small, accurate and affordable through the combination of innovative product design, deep application expertise, and bold and timely infrastructure investments.  

At the forefront of MEMS technology development, ST has recently brought to market the software fusion of multiple sensors in one device, creating valuable and useful 'smart-sensor' MEMS devices that combine different kinds of sensing with processing capabilities and wireless connectivity. These smart sensors do more than simply measure the environment in which they operate; they have the ability to "think" about the environment and deliver appropriate reactions, enabling leaps in functionality and performance in a wide variety of applications, including Human Machine Interface, Gaming, Robotics, Portable Navigation Devices, and Patient Monitoring.

With more than 1.5 billion motion sensors sold in the market to date, ST's MEMS chips have enabled motion-activated user interfaces in a number of popular consumer devices, including smart phones, tablets, personal media players, game consoles, digital still cameras and remotes. Computer manufacturers widely use the Company's acceleration sensors for free-fall protection in laptop hard-disk drives, and car equipment makers integrate ST's MEMS in applications such as airbags and enhanced navigation systems.

The SEMICON Taiwan 2011 MEMS Forum will take place on September 8, 2011, at the Taipei International Convention Center.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 

(1)  IHS iSuppli: H1 2011 Consumer and Mobile MEMS Market Tracker, August 2011

SOURCE STMicroelectronics