India, November 12, 2013 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has been selected by MEMS Industry Group and affiliated voters as the Company of the Year for its continuing success in growing its MEMS business, expanding its product line, and demonstrating industry leadership and vision. Adding to ST’s Company of the Year recognition, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group, Benedetto Vigna, was acknowledged as Executive of the Year, and the LSM303C 2mmx2mm e-Compass captured Device of the Year recognition.
Vigna’s selection acknowledges his leadership in building ST’s MEMS business beyond the $1 billion per year revenue threshold — the first company to achieve that success — and driving the expansion of the use of MEMS technology into new markets and applications. His managerial achievements are complemented by his technical contributions, where he holds more than 150 patents.
The company’s very compact e-Compass accurately detects the direction and magnitude of external magnetic fields, using an accelerometer to compensate for tilt, ensuring a very accurate compass heading even when portable devices are inclined. As the world’s smallest e-Compass, the LSM303C is ideal for use in all smartphones and innovative context-sensitive devices used throughout the home, workplace, and in wellness and leisure activities. Moreover, when used together with ST’s MEMS gyroscopes, it can support even more advanced movement and position-related functionality.
The presentation of the first annual Innovation in MEMS Awards took place Friday, November 8th at MEMS Executive Congress, the key annual conference and networking event organized by MEMS Industry Group.
“There is no higher form of praise than recognition by one’s peers, and that is certainly true of ST—which earned an astounding three out of a possible six MEMS Innovation Awards through votes cast by MEMS Industry Group member companies and partners,” said Karen Lightman, executive director, MEMS Industry Group. “ST’s achievements as a company, the tremendous contributions of Benedetto Vigna, and the company’s LSM303C 2mmx2mm e-Compass are all deserving winners. We are so pleased to recognize ST as a multiple award-winner.”
