Leading Design Automation analyst cites ST's system-level design leadership, CAD capabilities, and depth of expertise in report naming global top four

GENEVA, Nov. 15, 2011 — (PRNewswire) — STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and a leader in delivering IC design and solutions, has been recognized as among the world's four best semiconductor companies in design, according to a report from Gary Smith EDA, a leading provider of market intelligence and advisory services for the global Electronic Design Automation (EDA), Electronic System Level (ESL) design, and related technology markets.

In the report, founder and Chief Analyst Gary Smith, a respected veteran of the chip design industry, highlights ST's leadership in Electronic System Level (ESL) design, the depth of its expertise, and the contribution of its Computer-Aided Design (CAD) group. "ST has pioneered many of the tools and design methodologies presently used today.  The design industry owes them their thanks for ST's design group's leadership in developing the ESL (Electronic System Level) methodology," said Gary Smith.

Commenting, Philippe Magarshack, Group Vice President of STMicroelectronics' Central CAD & Design Solutions Division, said, "Mr. Smith has extensive experience in assessing chip-design businesses, and his opinions are valued and recognized throughout the global semiconductor industry. The report findings further highlight ST's focus on design, which is a key source to providing our customers competitive advantage, and underpin ST's commitment to merging first-rate skills and facilities to deliver products with superior characteristics for our customers."

ST has realized the requirement for virtual platforms to cover architecture optimization, system verification and software development, and helped lead the drive to open standards, such as System C and IP XACT, thereby enabling interoperability of IPs in the SoC assembly process.

ST's design competencies cover technologies from logic and memory to MEMS, power semiconductors, and integrated logic/power devices, and disciplines including silicon-level design, software, firmware, tools and methodologies. Its certified ESL reference design flow for system-on-chip ICs speeds up development of complex new devices delivering high integration and low power consumption. Moreover, in-house foundry capabilities and strong partnerships with independent foundries and back-end packaging specialists give flexibility to optimize the complete chip realization process.

Through its technical centers in multiple locations worldwide, as well as collaboration with industrial partners and academic institutions, ST is positioned to develop innovations ahead of the curve.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com. 

SOURCE STMicroelectronics

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STMicroelectronics Michael Markowitz of STMicroelectronics Phone: +1-781-591-0354 Email Contact Web: http://www.st.com