Geneva, February 21,2008 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced a new series of high-temperature TRIACs, which maintain full specified performance up to a junction temperature of 150 degrees C, and which deliver outstanding turn-off capability – ideal for appliance motor-control applications, in particular – at their maximum temperature. The high-junction-temperature TRIACs will enable manufacturers to lower their costs by using considerably smaller heatsinks, and also allow the end product to benefit from more reliable operation in hot environments.

The use of conventional TRIACs, which are specified at 125 degrees C junction temperature, can cause a loss of control of the AC load in environments above this temperature, which can lead to hazardous application behavior, due to device parameter derating above 125 degrees C. However, ST’s new HiTj Snubberless™ series requires no derating of any of its parameters up to the maximum junction temperature, and, in fact, achieves a turn-off performance at 150 degrees C, which is three to four times better than normal. In addition, the TRIACs deliver high-noise immunity of up to 1500V/microsecond. Further cost savings are possible for manufacturers through the elimination of RC snubber circuits and noise filters.