Solid state

Article Abstract:

Significant 1991 trends and events in the semiconductor industry include increasing use of reduced-instruction-set computer (RISC) architectures, Intel Corp's loss of its monopoly on its 80386 microprocessor, new designs and applications of microcontrollers, huge growth in the field-programmable gate array market, greater integration of chip sets, increasing applications of digital signal processors (DSPs), a shift to integrated circuit (IC) designs utilizing 3.3V power supplies, exponential growth in the cost in implementing IC manufacturing systems and advances in developing superconducting ICs. Significant RISC events include Motorola Inc's agreement with IBM to manufacture microprocessors based on IBM's RS/6000 RISC architecture and MIPS Computer Systems introduction of its 50-MHz R4000 microprocessor. Advanced Micro Devices and Chips and Technologies introduced clones of the Intel 80386. Motorola and Ford Motor Co will co-design RISC microcontrollers for engines and transmissions. Many other trends and events are briefly discussed.

Standard, Standardization, Contracts, Manufacturing, Product development, Digital signal processors, Signal processing, Product Introduction, RISC, RISC processors, Digital Signal Processor

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Solid state

Article Abstract:

The first microprocessor chip with more than one million transistors was introduced commercially in 1990, and chips with more than two million transistors will likely be introduced in 1991. Processor speeds in the 50-to-60-MHz range are on the horizon, and DRAM sizes continue to grow from 4M-bits (now in volume shipments) to 16M-bits (now being sampled) to 64M-bits (now being demonstrated). DRAM access times continue to drop as well, from the current standard of about 80 nanoseconds to about 60 nanoseconds by the end of 1991 with standard CMOS technology and 35 nanoseconds eventually with bipolar-CMOS (biCMOS). Intel's 80386 SL microprocessor for notebook computers integrates a 386 processor with cache and main memory controllers, mapping logic, bus and coprocessor interfaces, and power conservation logic. Also described are RISC and digital signal processor chips and flash memories.

Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), DRAM, Packaging Density, Enhancements, Chip Packaging

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Jun-ichi Nishizawa: maverick in Japan

Article Abstract:

Jun-ichi Nishizawa, Tohoku University professor and founder and head of the Semiconductor Research Institute, researches and develops new semiconductor-related technologies by reading and experimenting intensely to understand the general nature of a problem then the details one-by-one. Nishizawa holds about 700 patents covering such innovations as various types of transistors and diodes, semiconductor lasers, other optoelectronic device, silicon induction thyristor and new techniques for growing stoichiometric gallium arsenide. The engineer prefers to work in solitude and silence. Details of Nishizawa's life and accomplishments are discussed.

Semiconductor devices, Officials and employees, Electronic components, Industrial research, Scientists, Biographies, Optoelectronic devices, Research and Development, Creativity, Semiconductor Device, Biography, Attitude, Methods, Tohoku University

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