VIPower Self-Oscillating Driver Chip from STMicroelectronics Makes Bright Companion to Compact Fluorescent Lamps.

Business & Technology Editors

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2002

Combining power and control functions, high-voltage driver cuts

cost and improves reliability

STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced its introduction of the VK05CFL, an advanced, high-frequency, self-oscillating electronic chip for driving energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

Noteworthy features of the VK05CFL include a combination of a high-voltage power and low-voltage control stages; built-in ESD protection, anti-parallel collector-source diode, and diac; capacitor-settable working frequency, and load-settable ignition frequency.

The VK05CFL works as either a high- or low-side driver in half-bridge CFL applications. Alternatively, two VK05CFLs can be configured in an H-bridge by using one on the low side and one on the high side. The net effect of using the VK05CFL is to dramatically cut costs, improve reliability, and promote further miniaturization.

Built using STMicroelectronics' proprietary M3-3 VIPower(R) technology, the VK05CFL combines an emitter-switching power stage, consisting of a high-voltage bipolar Darlington transistor, with a low-voltage MOSFET. The combination melds the bipolar transistor's low drop-out and high breakdown voltages in the "off" state with the MOSFET's high switching speed, which reaches a theoretical maximum in the range of 300 kHz.

By integrating ESD protection, an anti-parallel collector-source diode, and diac function, the VK05CFL saves space, cost, and design time. Moreover, because the VK05CFL's working frequency is set by an external capacitor, it eliminates the need for a saturable transformer. In addition, the ignition frequency, because it is set by the load, is independent of the working frequency. Also, a preheating function can be added using just a few external low-voltage components. By precluding the need for a positive-temperature-coefficient resistor or high voltage capacitor for preheating circuitry, the VK05CFL increases system ruggedness.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics, the world's third largest independent semiconductor company, 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 2001, the Company's net revenues were $6.36 billion and net earnings were $257.1 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.