New Alpha CPU chip can play back video and audio data in real time (but it's not inexpensive).......
newsbytes.com
Samsung To Launch New Alpha Processor In December
27 Nov 1998, 1:54 AM CST
By Martyn Williams, Newsbytes.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA,
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. [SK:64050]
says it will begin mass producing a new third
generation Alpha microprocessor in
December, supplying the chips to Compaq Computer Corp.
[NYSE:CPQ].
Compared to the current generation Alpha chip, the new
version can process data twice as fast and also offers the
ability to playback video and audio data in real time. The
processor is aimed at use in workstations and
high-performance PC servers.
The chip was developed and will be produced under a
license for Alpha technology from Compaq, which acquired
the technology when it took over Digital Equipment Corp.
Compaq is already a major customer for the company's
second generation Alpha chip, using it in at least half of its
servers and workstations, according to Samsung.
With sales targets for the new chip of US$100 million in
1999, Samsung is positioning the chip to become a major
part of its non-memory semiconductor business. In the long
term, Samsung said it expects the chip will bring in over
$1.5 billion within the next 5 years.
For 1999 and ahead the company has plans for new versions
with more advanced technology.
In October, the company announced development of a 0.18
micron chip manufacturing process that will enable the
production of Alpha microprocessors which operate at clock
speeds of 1 gigahertz and above (Newsbytes, October 25,
1998). First prototypes of Alpha processors produced using
the new technology are expected to appear in the second
half of 1999. |
