ST Microelectronics and Paratek to jointly develop tunable products for mobile phones

Paratek and ST Microelectronics have entered into a strategic relationship to supply RF tunable products to mobile wireless markets. The two companies have been cooperating to advance the next generation of Paratek's ParaScan materials technology for high-volume manufacturing and to jointly develop tunable products that improve Total Radiated Power (TRP) for mobile phones, leading to longer battery life and fewer dropped calls. Initial production will take place at STMicroelectronics' fabrication facility in Tours, France by the end of 2009.

Both companies will implement ParaScan technology into high-quality, high-reliability tunable capacitors. This will allow the implementation of dynamic impedance matching for wireless handsets, which improves power amplifier efficiency and battery life while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of dropped or missed calls. ST's knowledge of wireless portable applications enables the development of full system solutions compatible with very high volume production.

Dr. Jim DiLorenzo, President and CEO of Paratek said, "ST's world-class Fab in Tours is ideally suited for the production of ParaScan wafers. Their IPAD technology is extremely synergistic with ours, allowing for maximum manufacturing efficiencies and flexibility."

"STMicroelectronics' competitive advantage in wireless technology is enhanced by seeking out and commercializing outstanding technology," said Ricardo de Sa Earp, Group Vice President and General Manager of the ASD & IPAD Division of ST. "We are uniquely positioned to develop next-generation mobile-phone ICs that leverage Paratek's tuning technology and ST's IPADTM technology at a system level, increase overall intelligence and performance, and insure that everything works seamlessly with the entire radio." With the two companies working together, customers can easily and rapidly adopt a total platform solution - including breakthrough tunable technology - into their products.