STMicroelectronics and Freescale to collaborate on automotive technology

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STMicroelectronics and Freescale to collaborate on automotive technology [Copy link]

On February 28, Freescale (NYSE: FSL, FSL.B) and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) will work together on a broad joint innovation program to strengthen their respective strengths in automotive applications. The two companies will jointly form a microcontroller design team, jointly utilize process technology, and share intellectual property, including high-power MOS technology.NEWSZW_HZH_BEGIN NEWSZW_HZH_END

　　The companies' agreement covers high-performance, cost-effective 32-bit microcontrollers based on the PowerPC core, essential intellectual property (IP) for automotive and navigation applications, 90-nm embedded Flash process technology, and high-voltage Power MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) and IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) technologies.

　　The jointly designed products will use the market-proven PowerPC architecture and leverage ST and Freescale's extensive expertise in embedded flash memory to provide customers with powerful and cost-effective solutions. At the same time, Freescale will use ST's high-power technology in some applications such as hybrid electric vehicles.

　　The new microcontrollers developed by the two companies will meet the automotive industry's demand for higher power and enhanced intelligence, and promote the development of control-intensive products in the field of automotive electronic systems. Target applications include high-flow solutions for engine and transmission control, multi-processing functions of fault-tolerant systems (functions required by applications such as drive-by-wire systems and electronic transmission and control brake systems), advanced vehicle control and driver information systems, etc.

　　The joint design project will be managed by both companies, with the design headquarters in Germany

Munich . The project will initially combine the expertise of more than 100 existing designers from both companies to define, manage and design products that will complement the long-term independent development plans of the two companies. ST and Freescale will use joint process technology, starting with 90 nanometers, to produce microcontrollers and independently bring products to market, ensuring dual sourcing of products and better supplying these devices to customers.

　　“It is clear that electronics have become a major differentiator in the automotive industry,” said Paul Grimme, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Automotive and Standard Products Division. “PowerPC, the industry’s leading 32-bit microcontroller architecture, is a key enabler of this differentiation. The combined design and manufacturing resources of ST and Freescale will provide automakers with a broader selection of 32-bit products to help them implement increasingly complex control functions in the vehicle.”

　　“The collaboration between two leading automotive IT product suppliers will bring together ST and Freescale’s design strengths for a wider range of automotive applications, from high-end powertrains to advanced safety and driver information systems, to better serve customers and partners,” said Ugo Carena, vice president and general manager of ST’s automotive products division. “ST’s proven manufacturing expertise and ability to address market needs through its experience in strategic alliances with leading automakers will be key contributors to the success of this collaboration.”

　　According to Strategy Analytics, the global automotive

Semiconductor market turnover will increase from more than $16 billion in 2005 to more than $22 billion in 2009, an annual growth rate of 8%. The research company also believes that 32-bit and 64-bit microcontroller (MCU) fields will be the two fastest growing areas in the automotive electronics market, and it is expected that by 2007 and 2008, 32-bit products will become the dominant architecture of automotive MCUs.

　　Although this agreement is independent of previous cooperation, it is another cooperation between the two companies after many successful cooperation. Freescale and ST's cooperation began in 2002 with the Crolles2 Alliance, and the cooperation focused on IP, packaging and process development.