STMicroelectronics and Semikron Team Up

This collaboration creates new opportunities for traditional power devices, including IGBTs and power MOSFETs, as well as for ST’s proprietary ESBT® (Emitter-Switched Bipolar Transistor) devices, which cost-effectively combine power bipolar and power MOSFET structures to offer both high voltage capability and high switching frequencies.

The SEMITOP® package allows several chips, such as IGBTs (Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor), diodes, and input bridge rectifiers, to be integrated in a single module. Package-level integration reduces the component count and board space of discrete solutions, while ensuring superior connectivity and inherent reliability. The use of advanced processes and materials, including DBC (Direct Bond Copper) ceramic substrate and internal gel coating, results in excellent thermal management and immunity to external temperature variation and mechanical stress.

The new integrated power modules from ST and Semikron are set to address the rapidly growing demand for more integrated and reliable high-power platforms in a wide range of segments and applications, including Welding, UPS, Home Appliance, Motor Drive, and Switched Mode Power Supplies.

“The availability of the SEMITOP® package enables ST to compete in the IGBT module market and significantly consolidate its leadership in the high-volume consumer sector, bringing new added value to our customers,” said Filippo Di Giovanni, IGBT Business Unit Manager at STMicroelectronics.

“The partnership with ST guarantees that higher volumes can be produced and the established existing range can be expanded,” explained Riccardo Ramin, SEMITOP Product Manager at Semikron International.

Volume production of the new integrated power modules will start in Q2 2006. ST and Semikron will market them independently, assuring a dual source and securing a better supply of these devices for customers.

About SEMIKRON: Founded in 1951, German-based Semikron is a family enterprise that now employs 2,500 people worldwide. Semikron comprises a global network of 45 companies that guarantees innovative, high-quality products coupled with fast and competent on-site customer care. According to a study carried out by IMS, a leading British Market Research Institute, Semikron is the market leader in the field of power electronics modules, enjoying a 27% share of the European market. Semikron International Solutions Centres are located in Australia, Brazil, France, India, Korea, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA. The network designs, develops and manufactures custom assemblies for many markets. Semikron’s power electronics product range includes chips, discrete diodes/thyristors, power modules (IGBT/MOSFET/diode/thyristor/CIB/IPM), driver and protection components and integrated subsystems. “Semikron inside“ has become a trade mark for applications such as electric drives, wind power generators, electric vehicles, welding machines, lifts, power supplies, conveyor belts and trams. Many of Semikron’s progressive developments have become accepted industrial standards.

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 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million.