To: slacker711 who wrote (3843 ) 1/17/2000 12:14:00 PM From: Eric L Respond to of 5390
This article is 45 days old but I thought it might be of interest and please excuse if previously posted. STMICROELECTRONICS AND ERICSSON TO COOPERATE ON DEVELOPMENT OF BLUETOOTHâ„¢ ICS eu.st.com Stmicroelectronics Announces Plans To Use Ericsson Bluetooth Core In New Bluetooth Single Chip Solution Geneva, December 9, 1999 - STMicroelectronics today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Ericsson Mobile Communications whereby the two companies will develop a range of devices based on the Ericsson Bluetooth core architecture. In addition, within the framework of this architecture, the companies are also working together to approach the open market with optimized Bluetooth solutions. The agreement builds on both companies' leading positions in wireless technology and will significantly increase adoption of the proven Bluetooth core in products offering wireless communications capabilities. The first device will be implemented in ST's advanced 0.18-micron CMOS technology and will combine radio frequency functions with logic and digital processing required for establishing and controlling communication links between Bluetooth-enabled devices. Specifically developed and thoroughly characterized in the RF domain, ST's RFCMOS8 technology permits the integration of complex digital circuits with RF transceivers operating in the typical ISM gigahertz frequency range. This agreement demonstrates STMicroelectronics' commitment to Ericsson's Bluetooth baseband architecture for the development of leading-edge solutions, based on the Ericsson Bluetooth core and ST's next generation RFCMOS technology. ST's advanced process technology, including RFCMOS for a single chip and BICMOS for RF front-end, coupled with the company's design capability and support, will allow for the creation of highly integrated Bluetooth ICs. Joel Monnier, STMicroelectronics Corporate VP and Central R&D Director, said: "We are delighted to be working with Ericsson. Bluetooth is a very promising new wireless communication technology with almost unlimited applications potential. Common use of the proven Ericsson Bluetooth core will help facilitate product interoperability. Ericsson, as one of the Bluetooth founding members, has deep and intimate knowledge of Bluetooth. By combining this valuable intellectual property with ST's design and technology capabilities, we will be in a position to deliver optimized Bluetooth solutions requiring minimum board space and pre-validated RF implementation. RFCMOS8 is a combination of the 0.18µm high-performance digital process technology, today available for production with full design solutions, and leading-edge RF capabilities, which are the result of ST's extensive experience in BICMOS." About Bluetoothâ„¢ The Bluetooth technology is set to revolutionize the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small form-factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices and connectivity to the Internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), consisting of leaders in the telecommunications and computing industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The group includes founding members Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba, and more than 1200 other companies. About Ericsson Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecom world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Additional information about Ericsson and Bluetooth is available at ericsson.se About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics (formerly SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics) is a global independent semiconductor company, whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on the ParisBourse and on the Milan Stock Exchange. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete devices used in a wide variety of microelectronics applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products and industrial automation and control systems. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. Bluetooth is a trademark of Ericsson. All other trade, product, or service names referenced in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.