Third-generation mobile preamplifier delivers best-in-class speed, low power consumption, and vertical recording support in ultra-compact die size

Geneva, October 25, 2004 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) announced today the newest offering in its line of very low power preamplifier integrated circuits for mobile disk-drive applications. The device is also fast enough for the next generation of 2.5-inch server drives. This new ST product (part number L6316) enables hard-disk drives (HDDs) with higher data rates while offering a reduced demand on their power supplies, resulting in longer operation while running on batteries.

Designed to use ST's advanced silicon-germanium 5-metal-layer process, the L6316 IC offers uncompromised performance while requiring very low power and achieving read/write speeds in excess of 1.2-Gbit/s under laptop power constraints. The IC achieves this performance by using a new write-driver architecture, which ST has termed 'Continuously Matched' technology, assuring a true differential, fully matched impedance driver operating at all times during the write operation. The new driver architecture also achieves the highest write voltages available, which ensures better data integrity (Bit Error Rate).

Disk drive manufacturers can develop the next-generation of drive capacity and speed, in particular for 2.5-inch desktop replacement and new server drives in the 2.5-inch form factor, with such advanced features as:

• Support for both GMR (Giant Magneto Resistive) and TMR (Tunneling Junction Magneto Resistive) heads, effectively covering the whole range of heads available on the market;
• Support for vertical recording technology;
• Both read and write operations in addition to fly height control, making this preamplifier ready for vertical recording at unprecedented densities;
• Extensive self-test capability included to provide next generation quality in defect-free manufacturing;
• Special attention given to reduced power consumption and a host of advanced features to serve several generations of drives.
  

With superior flexibility and programmability, the new preamplifier allows development engineers to set write current, overshoot amplitude, and duration independently of each other for optimization of write performance without compromise. Similarly, the IC's continuously adjustable input impedance allows a perfect match to the impedance of the head interconnect during the read operation. The combination of these two features adds up to a best-in-class level of data integrity.

"We have developed a part that is high performing and can bridge multiple segment needs of the disk drive industry," said Gian Luca Bertino, General Manager of the Data Storage Division, STMicroelectronics. "This product can be used in mobile drives, which is the highest growth segment, and 7200RPM 2.5-inch desktop and server drives. It covers a very large domain of applications, enabling a significant economy of scale resulting in a cost-effective solution for the hard disk drive market."

Initial drive results confirm the exceptional level of performance promised by this new architecture. Samples of the L6316 are available now with full production expected to begin in Q4 2004. Pricing is $1.75 in quantities of 1,000; however, the device is customized before going into high volume production with any client.

About ST's Disk Drive Product Line
ST is the world's leading provider of electronics for the hard disk drive industry. With products ranging from its third generation of preamplifiers to its high-performance Tintoretto disk drive read channel, ST offers chips, reference platforms and complete support for the entire range of drive solutions. This new offering augments the line of preamplifiers already offered by ST covering sub 1-inch to high-end applications, from 50 to 2100 Megabits per second.

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 and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2003, the Company's net revenues were $7.24 billion and net earnings were $253 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.