Here's an interesting article I just came across:
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Find the hidden chips.
(embedded chips in household appliances)(Technology Information)
San Jose Mercury News, June 6, 1999 p1F(2)
Summary
There are about 40 embedded microprocessors, or microcontrollers, in an average middle-class American household. These chips are found in digital clocks, washers and dryers, electric blankets, electric toothbrushes and stereo equipment, among others. With a PC in the house, the number increases to 50. Dataquest reports that in 1998, 4.8 billion microcontrollers were sold, with only about 120 million, or 2.5% of them, intended for PCs. Estimates say that in the year 2004, the average home will have about 280 embedded chips and annual sales will total 9.4 billion. |
