STMicro, Hynix to co-develop multimedia memory chips

STMicroelectronics and Hynix Semiconductor have agreed to jointly develop NAND Flash products that will be marketed by both companies. The two companies are set to launch an entire NAND product portfolio, beginning with a 512Mb device, in 2H of 2003.

The cooperation agreement covers all aspects of the joint portfolio expansion, including technology development, product design, and volume manufacturing. The development of the first NAND Flash devices will build on ST's proven skills in Flash memory design and Hynix's expertise in SDRAM process technology and volume manufacturing. The first products will be manufactured in Seoul, Korea, but the agreement includes provisions for mutual sourcing.

ST and Hynix are targeting such applications as multimedia-enabled mobile phones, still and video digital cameras, and high-end DVD players, HDTV, and STBs.