 |
|
|
 |
||
 |
|
|
Single Chip Solution from STMicroelectronics Powers New Microsoft Optical Mice |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
 Geneva, December 4, 2001 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a world leader in delivering System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions, has unveiled details of the single chip device that powers Microsoft's newest line of IntelliMouse Optical mouse products. Co-developed by Microsoft and ST, the chip integrates all of the optical detection and signal processing circuitry required to deliver an unprecedented level of mouse performance in terms of sensitivity and frame rate, while remaining within the strict cost structures of the PC Accessory market.Optical mice are rapidly replacing traditional ball mice because they offer both reliability and ergonomic advantages, thanks to the elimination of mechanical wear and the ability to work on a wide variety of surfaces without the need for mouse mats. Microsoft introduced the first widely available optical mouse, implementing the necessary circuitry in two chips: an optical chip for image sensing and signal conditioning, and a logic device for USB and PS2 interfacing. In the new IntelliMouse Optical mice, all of the image sensing, signal processing and logic circuitry is contained in a single state-of-the-art chip produced by ST. The device is housed in the latest OLQFP (Optical Low Profile Quad Flat Pack) chip package, which was developed by ST. As a result, the new Microsoft optical mouse products now offer much higher sensitivity and much faster frame rates (6000 frames per second instead of 1500). For the mouse end-user, the resulting benefits include greater flexibility in the choice of surfaces and the ability for the mouse to keep up with even the fastest hand movements - a key benefit in gaming applications. "We believe that no other company in the world could have delivered this chip/package combination, which leverages not only our world-leading ability to integrate image capture and image processing on the same CMOS chip, but also our ability to merge our own and customer IP into true SoC solutions; our expertise in developing leading-edge packaging technology; bringing it into high volume production; and our ability to build teams that can successfully combine expertise from every corner of the world," said Jean-Pierre Lusinchi, Group Vice President, General Manager of ST's Imaging and Display Division. The chip ST is delivering to Microsoft includes a CMOS image sensing array designed by an ST team in Edinburgh (Scotland), signal conditioning and analog front-end blocks handled by an ST team in Phoenix (USA), and a proprietary IP block from Microsoft which implements the navigation algorithm that takes the optical data from the sensor and works out where and how fast the mouse has moved so that the pointer on the PC screen can move accordingly. Other IP blocks were provided by ST Central R&D teams in Rousset (France) and Noida (India). Initial silicon was fabricated in Crolles (France) while the task of ramping the new OLQFP package, developed by ST's Corporate Packaging group in Grenoble, rapidly into production was handled by ST's back-end plant in Malta. "Our cooperation with Microsoft demonstrates not only the wide range of skills required for SoC technology but also the user benefits that result from its successful implementation, as demonstrated by the market's enthusiastic response to the new optical mice", added Lusinchi. "This first joint development has been completely successful and we are already working on new joint developments as Microsoft Hardware Group expands its product range." About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is the world's third largest independent semiconductor company. The Company shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris 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 microelectronic applications, including telecommunications systems, computer systems, consumer products, automotive products and industrial automation and control systems. In 2000, the Company's net revenues were $7,813.2 million and net earnings were $1,452.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
||
