SOI sandwich promises fast, low-power ICs

Article Abstract:

Materials engineers believe that the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer fabrication process will finally become widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, which could dramatically improve performance, while minimizing power consumption and lowering prices. SOI wafer fabrication technology has been available since 1985, but the process has failed to find widespread commercial use because of the high costs of producing the materials needed. Materials engineers contend that this will change in the late 1990s because of improved wafer processing technologies and strong demand for low power consumption chips for portable systems. SOI wafers sandwich a layer of high-quality SiO2 below the surface of silicon wafers, which creates a perfect substrate. This eliminates the mask and process steps, while improving chip performance. The potential is so huge that materials engineers predict that SOI wafers will usher in the next wave of processor performance.

Semiconductor devices, Semiconductor device, Electronic components, Technology overview, Manufacturing

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Tiny processor core helps lower ATM costs

Article Abstract:

Advanced Telecommunications Modules (ARM) ventures onto a 'networking limb' and aims its 25.6Mbps ATM technology at PC workgroups. In order to keep the cost of its ATM technology below $1,200 for the PC market, the firm selected the 32-bit ARM processor as a building block. In Spring 1994 the company implemented its first product designs with a basic ASIC processor and three custom ASIC microprocessors for hardware acceleration. During product development the company set stringent cost requirements, leading it to adopt RISC technology, selecting Advanced RISC Machines' 32-bit ARM processor, and setting itself the goal of delivering a 25.6Mbps ATM at the same cost of 10Mbps switched Ethernet. ARM future plans are to integrate the ARM 601 core processor and ASICs on a single processor. The move will allow ARM to lower its ATM connection costs at below the current price of $800.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Planning, Computer networks, Usage, Microprocessor, Product information, CPUs (Central processing units), Microprocessors, Company product planning, Company business planning, Asynchronous transfer mode, RISC, RISC processors, ATM, Advanced Telecommunications Modules Inc., Advanced RISC Machines Ltd.

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Smart battery technology keeps charging ahead

Article Abstract:

Computer users are beginning to seek out alternative power sources as conventional batteries consistently fail to provide an adequate supply. Smart batteries are rapidly evolving to meet the needs of notebook users. Software, semiconductor and battery vendors are working together to add functionality to the computer's power source. The new smart batteries can gauge energy levels and indicate when they need to be recharged. The batteries are designed to monitor status, control the charge, record activity and communicate information. Duracell International and Intel are attempting to establish an open standard for smart batteries recently introducing the System Management Bus and Smart Battery Data specifications. Adoption of the standards has been slow, however, because portable computer makers use differentiations as selling points.

Electronic components, not elsewhere classified, Research, Consumer electronics industry, Technology development, Power supplies (Computers), Electric power supplies, Power supply (Electronics), Computer batteries, Power Supply, Computer battery

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