Operates at supplies down to 2V with 93dB(A) SNR

Geneva, July 11, 2003 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) has introduced a pair of compact stereo headphone amplifiers suitable for use in portable audio players, high-end TVs, portable digital assistants and computer motherboards.

The TS486 and TS487 are 100mW stereo headphone amplifiers with standby mode. The standby mode can be active low in the TS486 or active high in the TS487. The parts are offered in the space-saving DFN, SO-8 and MiniSO-8 packages. The drivers can run off 2V as a minimum voltage and consume a maximum of 2.5mA, falling to a typical 10nA in standby mode.

The parts can be ordered with an external gain configuration or with fixed gain of 0, 8, 12 dB (reducing the need for external components). The parts also include On/Off click reduction circuitry.

With a Vcc of 5V the output power of each amplifier is 102mW into 16ohm, measured at a total harmonic distortion plus noise figure of a maximum of 0.1%. Power output is 64mW into a 32ohm load at the same supply voltage.

With a Vcc of 3.3V the output power of each amplifier is 38mW into 16ohm, measured at a total harmonic distortion plus noise figure of a maximum of 0.1%. Power output is 26mW into a 32ohm load at the same supply voltage.

Signal to noise ratio is typically 103dB(A) with a 5V supply, and cross-talk immunity is typically 83dB at 1kHz. The power supply rejection ratio for the parts is typically 58dB, measured at 1kHz with the inputs grounded.

The parts are stable at unity gain and feature short-circuit protection.

Further information on these devices is available at: www.st.com/stdlinear

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 2002, the Company's net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com.