STMicroelectronics Unveils True Multi-Touch Technology for Slimmer Smartphones

GENEVA, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The next generations of smartphones are unlikely to become much smaller, but they could be slimmer and smarter using a single-chip widescreen capacitive touchscreen controller announced by STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading provider of ICs for mobile and consumer products.

The S-Touch® FingerTip controller provides true multi-touch capability supporting unlimited simultaneous touches. The FingerTip also enhances multi-touch actions such as pinch-to-zoom and supports stylus operations, enabling a smoother experience.

The FingerTip controller's patented analog IP provides high signal-to-noise-ratio performance with high scan speed that allows robust and fast touch performance for the user.  It also offers the industry's greatest number of channels, allowing higher touch resolution. Its ultra-low power consumption delivers longer battery life.

Advanced noise cancellation makes this the first device of its kind to support the latest on-cell LCD technology without requiring a ground shielding layer between the display and the touch sensor. This feature allows smartphones to have thinner, all-in-one, touchscreen LCD modules with enhanced image quality and reduced assembly costs.

Its high resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) makes the S-Touch FingerTip touch controller ideal for use in consumer smartphones. Auto-tuning and self calibration features will reduce external components and support a wide range of touchscreen panels. With a 3mm x 3mm low-profile chip-size package, the FingerTip is the industry's smallest multi-touch controller.

Main features of S-Touch FingerTip:

• On-cell integrated support for thinner displays
• High SNR
• Ultra-low-power consumption in touch-ready mode, saving battery life
• Industry's highest number of nodes: 288 (18 x 16)
• 8kV HBM ESD protection
• Industry' s smallest package

FingerTip devices are available in two  packages, a QFN 56 (7mm x 7mm) already available for demonstration and design-ins, and an ultra-small flip-chip 49 (3mm x 3mm) scheduled for availability in December 2010. Budgetary pricing for S-Touch FingerTip is available to OEM customers on request.

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 2009, the Company's net revenues were $8.51 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 

S-Touch is a registered trademark of STMicroelectronics.

SOURCE STMicroelectronics