Science and Technology Science and Technology
Tue, January 13, 2009

STMicroelectronics and Paratek to Jointly Develop and Market Tunable RF Technology


Published on 2009-01-13 06:52:30, Last Modified on 2009-11-02 16:10:36 - Market Wire
  Print publication without navigation


GENEVA & NASHUA, N.H.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Paratek ] and [ STMicroelectronics ] (NYSE: STM) have entered into a strategic relationship to supply RF tunable products to mobile wireless markets. The two companies have been cooperating to advance the next generation of Paratek's [ ParaScan ]™ materials technology for high-volume manufacturing and to jointly develop tunable products that improve Total Radiated Power (TRP) for mobile phones, leading to longer battery life and fewer dropped calls. Initial production will take place at STMicroelectronics' fabrication facility in Tours, France by the end of 2009.

With ST's long term experience and world leadership in [ IPAD ]TM (Integrated Passive and Active Devices), the companies will implement ParaScan technology into high-quality, high-reliability tunable capacitors. This will allow the implementation of dynamic impedance matching for wireless handsets, which improves Power Amplifier efficiency and battery life while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of dropped or missed calls. ST's knowledge of wireless portable applications enables the development of full system solutions compatible with very high volume production.

"ST is a clear leader in wireless technology," said Dr. Jim DiLorenzo, President and CEO of Paratek. "The joint product and system development work of the two companies will enable much broader and faster adoption of our tunable system solutions. Complementing the joint development activity, ST's world-class Fab in Tours is ideally suited for the production of ParaScan wafers. Their IPAD technology is extremely synergistic with ours, allowing for maximum manufacturing efficiencies and flexibility."

"STMicroelectronics' competitive advantage in wireless technology is enhanced by seeking out and commercializing outstanding technology," said Ricardo de Sa Earp, Group Vice President and General Manager of the ASD & IPAD Division of ST. "We are uniquely positioned to develop next-generation mobile-phone ICs that leverage Paratek's tuning technology and ST's IPADTM technology at a system level, increase overall intelligence and performance, and insure that everything works seamlessly with the entire radio." With the two companies working together, customers can easily and rapidly adopt a total platform solution—including breakthrough tunable technology—into their products.

About Paratek

Paratek Microwave, Inc. designs and manufactures adaptive RF front-end component solutions for mobile wireless applications requiring multi-mode and multi-band operation. While primarily focused on developing solutions for the mobile handset market, Paratek continues to refine and evolve its tunable technology to meet emerging demands across a wide range of wireless applications. The Company is privately held and headquartered in Nashua, NH, with additional offices in Crystal Lake, IL and Columbia, MD. Further information on Paratek can be found at [ www.paratek.com ].

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, Integrated Passive and Active Devices (IPAD) and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. Further information on ST can be found at [ www.st.com ].

ParaScan is a trademark of Paratek Microwave, Inc.
IPAD is a trademark of STMicroelectronics.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contributing Sources