ECD Ovonics President and CEO Presents Invited Talk At Materials Research Society Meeting in Boston

Ovshinsky discusses a nanostructure thin-film electrical device which would enable computers to go beyond conventional artificial intelligence

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Dec. 2 -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) announced today that Stanford R. Ovshinsky, its president and chief executive officer, was the lead speaker on phase-change memory at the Materials Research Society (MRS) in Boston. Phase- change memory, originated by Ovshinsky, is a rapidly growing field. He also gave a tutorial on phase-change data storage.

At the meeting, Ovshinsky announced that he and his co-inventor, Dr. Boil Pashmakov, had invented and demonstrated a nanostructure thin-film electrical device which accomplishes not only the conventional binary functions of today's computers, but is capable of nonbinary storage of information, encryption, higher mathematics, modular arithmetic and neurosynaptic functions emulating cognitive activity which would enable computers to go beyond conventional artificial intelligence.

The device, in conjunction with other multi-terminal Ovonic(TM) threshold and memory devices with the ability to replace conventional transistors, makes possible a new approach to computers through its unique multi-functionality that provides a different paradigm which is not based on the binary -- zero and one -- principle making up the modern-day computer. Ovshinsky also described the scientific basis, mechanism and technology implications to conventional computers and semiconductors.

Since the 1950s, Ovshinsky has pioneered through his inventions and scientific contributions, together with his distinguished collaborators, the field of amorphous and disordered materials which has far-ranging applications from computer-switching devices in the information field, such as the Ovonic(TM) threshold switch and the optical and electrical phase-change memories, to Ovonic(R) nickel metal hydride batteries, hydride storage materials, regenerative fuel cell technology and thin-film, multi-junction, continuous web photovoltaics in the field of energy.

In connection with his work in energy, Ovshinsky gave a keynote address at the MRS meeting entitled "New Science and Technology, the Basis of the Hydrogen Economy."

About ECD Ovonics

ECD Ovonics is the leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of advanced production technology and innovative products. It has invented, pioneered and developed enabling technologies in the fields of energy and information leading to new products and production processes based on amorphous, disordered and related materials. ECD Ovonics' proprietary advanced information technologies include Ovonic(TM) phase-change electrical memory, Ovonic(TM) phase-change optical memory and the Ovonic(TM) Threshold Switch. The Company's portfolio of alternative energy solutions includes thin-film amorphous solar cells, modules, panels and systems for generating solar electric power; NiMH batteries; hydride storage materials capable of storing hydrogen in the solid state for use as a feedstock for fuel cells or internal combustion engines or as an enhancement or replacement for any type of hydrocarbon fuel; and fuel cell technology. ECD Ovonics designs and builds manufacturing machinery that incorporates its proprietary production processes, maintains ongoing research and development programs to continually improve its products and develops new applications for its technologies. ECD Ovonics holds the basic patents in its fields. More information on ECD Ovonics is available on www.ovonic.com .

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which ECD Ovonics, as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate. ECD Ovonics cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based.