Here's an example of what you are saying - Intel leaving territory open for SST. Let this be a reminder to those who think SSTI might disappoint:
techweb.com
"The Intel spokeswoman said the company is "end-of-lifeing" its own production of the 82802 and is passing off manufacturing duties to SST
....
Volume production of SST's Firmware Hub SuperFlash products will begin this year, packaged in either a 32-pin TSOP or 32-pin PLCC. Samples of a 4-Mbit flash device organized as 512-K x 8 are available now for $3.50, with production slated for June.
Similar 2-Mbit, or 256-K x 8, devices will also ship in June, but will sample in May at $1.95. In September, SST will sample 8-Mbit, or 1-M x 8, devices for $5.50, with production beginning in November. All prices reflect lots of 100,000."
That article is from April this year. At the time (does anyone know if this has changed?), SST was the only licencee able to manufacture this product. This product is in every 800 series Intel motherboard, a market of around 100,000,000 units including the P3 810, 815, 820 and 840 and the 850 and upcoming 860 for the P4.
Note how the most expensive 8Mb examples kick in this quarter. Note also the ramp up time of over 6 months from announcement to starting to produce. That sort of specialisation (i.e. NOT commoditisation) gives management at least 9 mths warning of falling short of expectations. |
