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National Semiconductor Puts Functions of PC on Single Chip
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.c The Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (July 15) - National Semiconductor Corp. today unveiled a new computer chip that puts most of the functions of a PC on a single chip, a move that will bring more power and functionality to small information devices.
The new Geode SC1400 chip will do the work of what would normally require six different chips, company spokeswoman Linda Ashmore said.
National Semiconductor is targeting the chip for use in ''information appliances'' such as television set-top boxes, hand-held information devices such as the Palm Pilot, and, eventually, car navigation systems.
According to the industry research firm International Data Corp., the information appliance market will reach a worldwide shipment of 65 million units in 2003.
The Santa Clara, Calif.-based developer and manufacturer of semiconductor products says the Geode chip, which has speed of 266 megahertz, can offer full Web-browsing and play digital video.
The chip consumes little power, eliminating the need for space-consuming cooling fans, National Semiconductor says. The chip will further shrink machines as only a few other chips will be needed for the functions of memory storage and to run high-voltage components.
Cost of information appliances also will be reduced, National Semiconductor says, because of the need for fewer components.
National Semiconductor expects to have its new chip on the market by next summer.
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