1. BB Fightclub's Avatar
    STMicroelectronics are manufacturing and selling the Paratek chip. STMicroelectronics Boosts 4G Connections and Battery Life with Advanced Tunable Chips
    On Dec. 10 they announced spitting with Ericson STMicroelectronics announces new strategic plan
    On Dec. 11 ST announced they are manufacturing this little gem: STMicroelectronics Announces its 28nm FD-SOI Technology is Ready for Manufacturing in its Leading-Edge Crolles Fab Printed below:
    Could this be a NovaThor 9600 SoC with an Imagination G6200 GPU and a Thor M6718 Modem?
    If it is - I'll be buying one in Feb!
    Print
    "STMicroelectronics Announces its 28nm FD-SOI Technology is Ready for Manufacturing in its Leading-Edge Crolles FabSilicon-verified process technology delivers 30% higher speed and up to 50% improvement in power

    Geneva, December 11, 2012 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announced today another step towards the availability of its 28nm FD-SOI Technology Platform, now open for pre-production from its Crolles (France) 300mm manufacturing facility. The announcement confirms ST�s ability to provide its planar fully-depleted technology from the 28nm technology node, essential in quenching the market�s appetite for embedded processors in multimedia and portable applications that can meet the industry�s highest performance and lowest power demands vital to deliver all the stunning graphics, multimedia and high-speed broadband connectivity without sacrificing battery life.

    The announcement coincides with a workshop on fully-depleted-silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) technologies held by the FD-SOI Consortium in San Francisco.

    The FD-SOI Technology Platform encompasses the availability of a feature-complete and silicon-verified Design Platform, including the full set of foundation libraries (std-cells, memory generators, I/Os), AMS IPs and high speed interfaces), and a design flow ideally suited for developing high-speed and energy-efficient devices.

    ST�s FD-SOI technology has already been selected by ST-Ericsson for use in its future mobile platforms, which will enable enhanced performance with significantly lower power consumption than conventional technologies.

    �ST has a long history in pioneering new solutions in both product and technology. By bringing FD-SOI technology to manufacturing readiness, ST is again positioning itself as an innovator and leader in semiconductor technology development and manufacturing,� said Jean-Marc Chery, Executive Vice President, General Manager Digital Sector, and Chief Technology and Manufacturing Officer of STMicroelectronics. �Post-processing wafer testing has allowed us to prove the significant performance and power advantages of FD-SOI over conventional technologies, building a cost-effective industrial solution that is available from the 28nm node. Measurements on a multi-core subsystem in an ST-Ericsson NovaThor ModAp platform, with a maximum frequency exceeding 2.5Ghz and delivering 800 MHz at 0.6V, are confirming expectations and demonstrating the great flexibility of the technology and the extended voltage range exploitable through DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling),� concluded Chery.

    As important as its success in manufacturing, ST has found porting Libraries and Physical IPs from 28nm Bulk CMOS to 28nm FD-SOI to be straightforward, and the process of designing digital SoCs with conventional CAD tools and methods in FD-SOI to be identical to Bulk, due to the absence of MOS-history-effect. FD-SOI enables production of highly energy-efficient devices, with the dynamic body-bias allowing instant switch to high-performance mode when needed and return to a very-low-leakage state for the rest of the time � all in a totally transparent fashion for the Application Software, Operating System, and the Cache Systems. Finally, FD-SOI can operate at significant performance at low voltage with superior energy efficiency versus Bulk CMOS.

    About STMicroelectronics
    ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented. "
    RECOOL likes this.
    12-14-12 05:25 PM
  2. playbookster's Avatar
    I have no idea what this means but I think I like it!

    Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk
    kbz1960, robtanz, BB10FTW and 1 others like this.
    12-14-12 05:31 PM
  3. yabanumay's Avatar
    Are you sure this is the same chip? There's no mention of paratek in the release.
    12-14-12 05:56 PM
  4. W Hoa's Avatar
    This is the article the OP originally linked to.

    While reading this it is important to know that:

    ParaScan™ is a trademark of PARATEK Microwave Inc.


    STMicroelectronics Boosts 4G Connections and Battery Life with Advanced Tunable Chips
    Maximized handset output power and smaller pc-boards come from dynamically adjustable integrated antenna-matching capacitors

    Geneva, November 06, 2012 -
    STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of semiconductors for cellular devices, is working to help avoid dropped calls and increase battery life with a new range of highly miniaturized adaptive devices that dynamically optimize handset antenna performance.


    ST’s new ParaScan™ Tunable Integrated Capacitors (STPTIC) are electrically adjustable to maintain efficient transfer of energy from the handset amplifier to the antenna under various operating conditions. The STPTIC helps maximize radiated RF power for better call performance, overcoming the challenges of use in multiple frequency bands, when the handset is held close to the user’s ear or when it is moved away from the head, while minimizing amplifier power consumption for longer battery life.

    Unlike alternatives that typically contain multiple switched capacitors, the STPTIC allows capacitance to be adjusted smoothly, without steps, for greater precision. The STPTIC is also smaller, combining a single, variable capacitor with control circuitry using ST’s Integrated Passive and Active Device (IPAD™) technology.

    “Our latest and most advanced STPTIC family now delivers an even more compelling option for future 4G LTE handsets, which will demand high wireless performance for reliable voice and high-speed data communications with longer battery life” said Ricardo De-Sa-Earp, Group VP and General Manager, Application-Specific Discretes & IPAD Division. “Two of the world’s top five handset manufacturers have already chosen this technology for antenna matching in their current handsets.”

    The STPTIC family announced today use the latest and most advanced generation of ParaScan Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) variable-capacitor technology. These devices meet the demands of wireless system designers by displaying high Q factor1 at frequencies up to 2.7 GHz, more than 3:1 capacitance change with varying control voltage, and stable performance over the specified temperature range. Devices are easy to design-in, requiring only minimal external components, and have high power capability meeting the requirements of the GSM standard.

    Major features of the STPTIC family:
    •Range of capacitance values: 2.7 to 8.2 pF
    •High power capability (+36 dBm)
    •High tuning range (3.5:1)
    •High linearity device (IP3 > 60dB)
    •High Quality factor (Q factor) up to 2.7 GHz
    •Low leakage current (Less than 100 nA)
    •Compatible with ST antenna tuning circuit (STHVDAC series)

    The STPTIC devices in the 6-pin microDFN and flip-chip packages are sampling now to lead customers direct from ST only, at prices starting at $0.50 and $0.48 respectively for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces. Alternative pricing options for higher quantities are available on request.

    ParaScan™ is a trademark of PARATEK Microwave Inc.
    mithrazor likes this.
    12-14-12 06:38 PM
  5. W Hoa's Avatar
    Are you sure this is the same chip? There's no mention of paratek in the release.
    With names like these how can you suspect otherwise:

    Could this be a NovaThor 9600 SoC with an Imagination G6200 GPU and a Thor M6718 Modem?
    BB10FTW likes this.
    12-14-12 06:43 PM
  6. yabanumay's Avatar
    With names like these how can you suspect otherwise:

    Could this be a NovaThor 9600 SoC with an Imagination G6200 GPU and a Thor M6718 Modem?
    Now i see it. Parascan is the name i wasn't looking for. So for someone like (average joe) what does this mean for RIM? Is this tech revolutionary? Will it be in each and every handset in the future?
    12-15-12 06:40 AM
  7. calicocat2010's Avatar
    Yeah it's way too technical jargon to paraphrase this...soo someone What does this mean for RIM?
    12-15-12 11:30 AM
  8. chrysaurora's Avatar
    Is it fair to assume that ALL cellular phone antennas will be manufactured by Paratek (owned by RIM) in next year? Simply because this antenna is superior, consumes least battery and supports multiple bands?
    12-15-12 12:30 PM
  9. RECOOL's Avatar
    This thread has baffled me for some time but now im getting it. Im trying to work this out that RIM has possesed the best? antenna for sometime and will do so going into next year.This antenna is indeed beastly for its signal capturing and battery saving.Having a powerful antenna will do wonders for everyone especially those in developing nations who get frequent signal drops and us who go in and out of LTE, gsm,etc areas

    RIM can also make a big profit selling this tech to the the mobile world.So BBs effectively have the best processing,and antenna which both save us on battery life.At this rate is it gonna take 3 days of constant usage for BB10 devices to be out of battery??

    People keep banging on about quad core specs and all sort when none of it improves the phone,ui and usage.The real specs are right here fine tuned optimazation.What a shrewd aquisition by RIM man love RIMS tactics.
    spike12 likes this.
    12-15-12 01:28 PM
  10. taes123's Avatar
    Better LTE coverage means better video quality for me
    12-15-12 07:16 PM
  11. W Hoa's Avatar
    Having a powerful antenna will do wonders for everyone especially those in developing nations who get frequent signal drops
    Many developing countries require users to carry mutltiple sim cards to allow ongoing service. This paratek technology may help solve that problem.
    12-15-12 08:28 PM
  12. CranBerry413's Avatar
    As always, great post OP (Stand Up). You always seem to have you finger on the pulse of Paratek and their inner workings. To be honest, I'm very impressed with this aquisition that RIM made. I see that they were serious about getting the most out of their battery and antennae.
    12-17-12 12:17 PM
  13. chrysaurora's Avatar
    Question is - when are we going to see Paratek's anntenna in ALL BB devices and ALL non-BB Devices? is iPhone going to be using it? is Samsung? is LG? is Motorola? Anybody knows?
    Last edited by chrysaurora; 12-17-12 at 02:44 PM.
    12-17-12 12:48 PM
  14. steven4u2nv's Avatar
    RIM has been quietly acquiring companies to 1) boost their portfolio and 2) remove the problems of their previous devices. If the new BB10 devices have this technology baked into it then, it will have the best battery and antenna performance of any phone currently on the market. Also with the use of QNX’s microkernel , BB10 devices won’t “need” a quad-core high powered process to execute code (run apps) at the speed most consumer are expecting. With the ability to side load Android’s open source apps, if you by a Blackberry you get a Android phone for free (without some the security risks associated with Android OS).

    Kudos to RIM for identifying the real “needs and wants” of the consumer taking a different path. In doing so BB has developing a phone that will accomplish more with less. BB10 smartphones will have a greatly improving the User Experience, battery life, and call/signal quality and it seems the components required to pull all of this off are cheaper, readily available, and have proven reliability.
    12-17-12 02:54 PM
  15. chrysaurora's Avatar
    Kudos to RIM for identifying the real “needs and wants” of the consumer taking a different path. In doing so BB has developing a phone that will accomplish more with less. BB10 smartphones will have a greatly improving the User Experience, battery life, and call/signal quality and it seems the components required to pull all of this off are cheaper, readily available, and have proven reliability.
    True! Very nice move. It'd be interesting if *all* mobile manufacturers started using Paratek antenna! I can't find much information about it on google though. But it'd be interesting if that were to happen!
    12-17-12 09:23 PM
  16. Andrew4life's Avatar
    Considering that the L-Series is likely in production already (or at least will be soon), I don't foresee this being in the L-series unless of course RIM already designed it into the phone prior to STMicroelectronics public release of the chip.

    Would be nice to have the technology exclusive to RIM, but seeing as how their marketshare is so small, Androids will definitely get their hands on this tech as well.
    12-17-12 10:08 PM
  17. RECOOL's Avatar
    Considering that the L-Series is likely in production already (or at least will be soon), I don't foresee this being in the L-series unless of course RIM already designed it into the phone prior to STMicroelectronics public release of the chip.

    Would be nice to have the technology exclusive to RIM, but seeing as how their marketshare is so small, Androids will definitely get their hands on this tech as well.
    RIM own the tech they aquired paratek way back early this year march times.So its definetly in the L series even if cyborg phones get paratek they will be paying RIM.Additionally its only BB's that will get the most out of it as this is fine tuned to work with qnx another processing monster.If paratek keep improving we will see paratek in more than just phones.The sh1ts chess it aint checkers.
    Last edited by RECOOL; 12-18-12 at 12:41 PM.
    BThunderW likes this.
    12-18-12 12:06 PM
  18. Dunt Dunt Dunt's Avatar
    RIM has been quietly acquiring companies to 1) boost their portfolio and 2) remove the problems of their previous devices. If the new BB10 devices have this technology baked into it then, it will have the best battery and antenna performance of any phone currently on the market. Also with the use of QNX’s microkernel , BB10 devices won’t “need” a quad-core high powered process to execute code (run apps) at the speed most consumer are expecting. With the ability to side load Android’s open source apps, if you by a Blackberry you get a Android phone for free (without some the security risks associated with Android OS).

    Kudos to RIM for identifying the real “needs and wants” of the consumer taking a different path. In doing so BB has developing a phone that will accomplish more with less. BB10 smartphones will have a greatly improving the User Experience, battery life, and call/signal quality and it seems the components required to pull all of this off are cheaper, readily available, and have proven reliability.
    Sorry but while good for us now, the whole sideloading of Android Apps is FAR from perfect. Many newer version of Android Apps do not work on the PlayBook currently, and I'm not so sure that downloading of .bar files from just anywhere, and then sideloading them could really be called secure either. What RIM wanted and still needs is for the Android community to look at the BB10 Platform as a easy to tap new market, and port their apps over to App World.
    12-18-12 12:18 PM
  19. steven4u2nv's Avatar
    Sorry but while good for us now, the whole sideloading of Android Apps is FAR from perfect. Many newer version of Android Apps do not work on the PlayBook currently, and I'm not so sure that downloading of .bar files from just anywhere, and then sideloading them could really be called secure either. What RIM wanted and still needs is for the Android community to look at the BB10 Platform as a easy to tap new market, and port their apps over to App World.
    Sorry for the delay, I have been out of town on business. I agree that sideloading Android apps os FAR from perfect. However, the process is still available and could be much improved on BB10. There is also the developer aspect of the matter. BB's port-a-thons are a testament to the versatility of the new BB10 open source compliant software. Developers can spend time creating their software (using cross platform software) and easily covert it to BB10 and add a native look and feel to it, in hours/days vice weeks/months as it has been in the past.
    jakie55 likes this.
    12-21-12 04:10 PM
  20. morlock_man's Avatar
    All it means is 2013 will be a sick year for phone sales for BlackBerry.

    What happens when you drop a device so advanced, it makes the competition look as obsolete as an Atari?
    zyben likes this.
    12-21-12 10:11 PM
  21. BrizzadMan's Avatar
    Hopefully this acquisition bares fruit for RIM on #BB10 phones. Extraordinary battery life on today's smartphones would be a revolution - as it has been sacrificed. 9900's, iPhones, 'Droids - all by comparison to phones of 5 years ago are simply terrible - leaving their owners attached to an electrical umbilical cord. So much for 'mobile' when you're hunting for the nearest wall outlet...
    12-22-12 10:00 AM
  22. anon(3310921)'s Avatar
    I'm still a bit lost on this one. . .all this tells me is some really revolutionary tech is really close to being made available publicly by a company that is owned by RIM and that it has "been selected by ST-Ericsson for use in its future mobile platforms" . . .here's hoping it is actually in the new BB10 phone (it might be. . .manufacturing did start on Dec 11th . . .hmmm. . . )
    12-22-12 12:31 PM
  23. Plazmic Flame's Avatar
    As a favor, next time please highlight or bold key parts of wall of text. Thanks.
    12-22-12 01:59 PM
  24. mathking606's Avatar
    Well I think its great that RIM is starting to produce their own parts just like samsung
    12-22-12 05:28 PM

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