Intel set to battle new rival: Cyrix is the latest to clone key chip

Article Abstract:

The release of Cyrix Corp's Cx486SLC microprocessor has caused Intel Corp's stock to fall nearly $10 to $55.25, with the heaviest over-the-counter trading of all stocks on Friday Mar 27, 1992. Cyrix's product, which is a hybrid of Intel's 80386SX and 80486 microprocessors, has led Intel to file yet another patent infringement suit against a competing semiconductor producer, this time Cyrix. Intel is seeking an injunction to prevent Cyrix from selling its new product. Advanced Micro Devices Inc and Chips and Technologies Inc are already the focus of patent infringement suits by Intel for their 'clones' on Intel's 386 chip. In addition, Intel has a pending suit against Cyrix because of Cyrix's 80387 microprocessor clone of 1991, which doubled Cyrix's revenues to $60 million. Cyrix's new chip will sell for $119 while Intel's chips cost from $200 to $300. Cyrix claims there is no patent infringement with either its 80387 or Cx486SLC product because of cross-licensing agreements with other companies. The crux of the decision lies in the interpretation of those agreements.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Cases, Intel Corp., INTC, Patents, Design, Competition, Licensing, Lawsuits, Patent, Cyrix Corp., Cyrix CX486SLC (Microprocessor)

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Gridlock at the chip-to-microprocessor intersection

Article Abstract:

Semiconductor manufacturers need to create memory circuits that can keep up with improvements in microprocessors, particularly creating better dynamic random access memories (DRAM). DRAM technology has changed little since its inception, making it a market that sees price, not feature, competition. Rambus Inc has developed a new DRAM design that will increase data transfer speed ten times. Rambus has approached Fujitsu, NEC and Toshiba with its technology. Microunity Systems Engineering is working toward increasing the bandwidth of the communication between the microprocessor and the DRAM, citing transmission over wires as the impediment to higher speeds. Cache memory systems have improved speeds and cut down on bottleneck and static RAM keeps files less active. Reduced-instruction-set computing has added to the demands on DRAM, and Rambus' technology incorporates buses into the DRAM for a special pathway to the microprocessor. This requires a complete redesign of a computer system, however.

Semiconductor industry, Manufacturing, Product introduction, Dynamic random access memory, DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), Communications protocols, Processor speeds, DRAM, Processor Speed, New Technique, Data Transfer Rate

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