SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Intel Corporation (INTC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Amy J who wrote (83769)6/18/1999 3:32:00 AM
From: Paul Engel  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 186894
 
Amy - Re: "Do Silicon-on-Insulator structures exist today? If not, how frequent does a corruption occur from charge collection from electron-hole pairs? "

Actually, IBM claims they are within a few months of bringing SOI CPUs - PowerPCs - into production.

Many years ago, several companies were working on Silicon-On-Saphire (SOS) - an exotic technology that employed a very thin film of Epitaxial Silicon grown on a Sapphire substrate.

Inselek - a company in New Jersey - was in production at one point. HP and Intel also has SOS programs in development during the lates 70's and early 80's but technology problems scuttled these along with the inexorable march of Bulk Silicon CMOS technology.

Re: "how frequent does a corruption occur from charge collection from electron-hole pairs? "

Now that depends on many things - including WHERE THE SYSTEM is !

Most DRAM manufacturers and system manufacturers have this problem well under control - but they have had to go to EXTREME measures - such as using 3 dimensional TRENCH capacitors for the storage node = or MULTIPLE STACKED Polysilicon Storage gates - not to mention VERY VERY this gate oxides - all in the attempt to ADD capacitance to the storage node.

Q = CV, and raising the capacitance, C< increases the charge, Q, that is required to "flip" a bit. V is the voltage applied across the storage capacitor electrode/gate.

Now the kicker - in outer space, cosmic radiation that can penetrate essentially everything - has been shown to cause soft errors in memory chips and most likely will be one of the first "trip-points" for soft-error induced failures in logic devices such as microprocessors.

Paul



To: Amy J who wrote (83769)6/18/1999 3:36:00 AM
From: Paul Engel  Read Replies (3) | Respond to of 186894
 
Amy & Intel Investors - Another design win for Intel's StrongARM !

MobiNetix Chooses Microware Systems Corporation's OS-9 for Use in First Web-Enabled Transaction Computer

The iPOS TC is the most advanced point-of-sale device available, with features that dramatically expand the possibilities for retailers to effectively communicate with customers. Designed with the Intel (Nasdaq:INTC) StrongArm SA1100 processor, the MobiNetix iPOS TC features VGA-quality graphics, animation and sophisticated audio capabilities through the built-in support of Microware's OS-9.

Paul

{========================}

newsalert.com

June 17, 1999 08:47

MobiNetix Chooses Microware Systems Corporation's OS-9 for Use in First Web-Enabled Transaction Computer

Jump to first matched term
DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 1999-- "Inner Strength" of OS-9 Relied upon to Power the First Java-Enabled Embedded System for MobiNetix's iPOS TC(TM)

Microware Systems Corporation (Nasdaq:MWAR), and MobiNetix Systems Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board:NETX), announced today that Microware's OS-9 was selected for use in MobiNetix's iPOS TC, the first Web-enabled, interactive point-of-sale transaction computer for the retail industry.

The Java-based iPOS transaction computer (iPOS TC), developed by MobiNetix, is the first device of its kind to combine the functionality of a multi-payment terminal and signature capture capabilities, with a scrolling, color display and the power of Internet access. It features a pressure-sensitive screen, enabling touch-screen PIN number entry and electronic signature capture. It also includes a magnetic stripe reader for debit and credit card payments, and is open-platform engineered for easy migration to smart card technology.

"By selecting Microware's OS-9 RTOS, MobiNetix acquired the dynamic upgradable capabilities which are inherent to OS-9," said Bob Egner, product director at Microware. "MobiNetix chose OS-9 due to Microware's ability to provide more finished code, and an effective development environment that helped speed time to market. In addition, the ability to dynamically upgrade software is built in to OS-9 and is a key feature MobiNetix required to ensure product future-proofing. This is a great example of how one of our customers achieved product differentiation in the market simply by choosing OS-9."

Java implemented into the iPOS TC allows merchants to post questionnaires and customer satisfaction surveys directly on the device to receive comprehensive, real-time feedback. "Dual Channel" technology allows the iPOS TC to simultaneously connect to the retail point-of-sale host and to a LAN/WAN, allowing retailers to display line items or capture payment information while displaying compelling Internet-based content.

"Microware's OS-9 provided us with the complete solution we needed to deliver such a complex, Internet-enabled device," said Tim Droz, director of engineering at MobiNetix. "PersonalJava for OS-9 and Microware's development environment not only saved us development time, but assured us the stability and functionality we require in the end product. Microware's OS-9 RTOS provides the advanced operating system functionality that is required for devices where security, stability, and reliability are paramount."

The iPOS TC is the most advanced point-of-sale device available, with features that dramatically expand the possibilities for retailers to effectively communicate with customers. Designed with the Intel (Nasdaq:INTC) StrongArm SA1100 processor, the MobiNetix iPOS TC features VGA-quality graphics, animation and sophisticated audio capabilities through the built-in support of Microware's OS-9.

The StrongArm microprocessor is being targeted for use in handheld consumer appliances, interactive set-top-boxes, digital televisions, communications equipment, point-of-sale devices, PC-like industrial automation systems and data/storage management systems. Microware's OS-9 is uniquely engineered to complement the high-performance and low-power characteristics of the StrongArm processor. These devices allow information and data to be shared computer systems and devices via wireless, Internet, or traditional data networks. Microware's OS-9 is the operating system of choice for the majority of StrongArm designers.


"The MobiNetix iPOS TC is an excellent example of Microware's vertical market strategy," added Egner. "By implementing Microware's OS-9 and PersonalJava, MobiNetix has developed a sophisticated device with proven technology in record time."

Microware Systems Corporation

Microware (Nasdaq:MWAR) is the technical leader in real-time operating system (RTOS) software for embedded systems. Microware's OS-9 is the fundamental control program managing critical microprocessor functions. Microware's leadership with OS-9, leading components, development tools, support and consulting has been implemented in millions of high tech applications including consumer devices, factory automation, wireless products, medical instrumentation, digital television/digital video and multimedia devices. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Microware was founded in 1977, and has technology and sales offices throughout the United States and in England, France, Germany, and Japan.

Microware, the Microware logo, OS-9 and DAVID are registered trademarks of Microware Systems Corporation. Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

MobiNetix Systems, Inc.

MobiNetix Systems, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board:NETX) is a leading Internet transaction management company that Web-enables the POS (point-of-sale/service), and bridges the gap between the Internet and the physical, brick-and-mortar POS. MobiNetix platforms increase revenue through interactive advertising, surveys and promotions, lower costs through fraud reduction, and increase transaction volume through effective, targeted marketing.

Best known for its PenWare(TM) iPOS(TM) (interactive point-of-sale) terminals, MobiNetix Systems offers PenWare brand terminals with touch-screen payment, interactive communication, secure signature capture and data collection capabilities. The company also provides a suite of software solutions for iPOS electronic transaction management that are sold through a direct sales force, OEMs, systems integrators and VARs.

For more information on Microware's products, visit www.microware.com; send e-mail to info@microware.com; or call 1-800-475-9000 or 515-223-8000. Additional information about MobiNetix's products is available at www.mobinetix.com, by sending an email to info@mobinetix.com, or by calling 1-408-524-4200.

CONTACT: Microware Systems Corporation
Craig Olson
(515) 327-2444
craigo@microware.com
or
MobiNetix Systems, Inc.
Kathryn Scott
408-524-4200
kscott@mobinetix.com