September 6, 2012, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company and leader in imaging technology across various electronic device applications, announced that it has entered into a strategic agreement with MicroOLED, a cutting-edge OLED company based in Grenoble, France, and has secured a minority stake by investing approximately 6 million euros. OLED is currently considered the most power-efficient technology due to its exceptional high resolution and ultra-low power consumption. Furthermore, OLED is recognized as the most suitable technology for microdisplays used in a wide range of portable applications, from camera viewfinders and video goggles to medical and security sectors.

MicroOLED's cutting-edge technology improves image quality by achieving superior pixel density with approximately half the power consumption of competing displays. It produces OLEDs that double the pixel density of competitors and boast contrast ratios 10 to 100 times higher. To leverage these technological capabilities for synergy, ST's strategy is to support the design, development, and supply of new microdisplays with its superior manufacturing equipment, extensive consumer market expertise, and excellent IP portfolio, thereby expanding its customer and application base for this next-generation technology.

Currently, microdisplays use external controllers, but using external controllers adds costs and increases complexity in the production of the final solution. ST’s fully integrated CMOS processes will be utilized to complete the product roadmap, and its extensive design IP portfolio will also help in designing integrated microdisplay functions. In addition, ST’s know-how in low-power design is expected to be a key factor in applications such as video goggles.

Eric Aussedat, Vice President and General Manager of Imaging, BiCMOS ASIC, and Silicon Photonics at STMicroelectronics, stated, “ST believes the electronic viewfinder (EVF) market for digital cameras and various applications has high growth potential, and we are focusing on product diversification and enhancement within the imaging business. We view MicroOLED’s high-resolution OLED microdisplay products as currently delivering the best performance, quality, and low power consumption.” He added, “Based on ST’s superior manufacturing and technical know-how, customer relationships, and IP portfolio, we will be able to accelerate the adoption of OLEDs and significantly expand the size of the related market.”

Eric Marchellin-Dibon, CEO and co-founder of MicroOLED, stated, “We have made a strong impression on our customers by significantly improving pixel density and image quality while reducing power consumption by half. By establishing a strategic partnership with ST and leveraging their robust manufacturing capabilities, we will be able to advance this technology to the next level and expand potential markets, allowing customers to experience the amazing world of low-power microdisplays.”