Japanese seem ahead again on advanced chips

Article Abstract:

A number of papers to be given at the International Solid States Circuits Conference would indicate that Japanese companies such as Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Matsushita, and Toshiba have developed prototypes of advanced dynamic random access memory (DRAM) microprocessors that can store 64 million bits of information. The prototypes are two generations above the four-million-bit DRAMs that are currently available. Even though the 64Mbyte microprocessors are not due for mass production until 1994, the fact that the Japanese companies have prototypes would indicate they are going to be the first on the market. Intel is expected to describe an advanced version of its 80486 microprocessor that can operate at 100 million cycles per second and perform at least 60 million instructions per second. National Semiconductor is about to release a similarly fast microprocessor called the Swordfish.

Japan, Toshiba Corp., Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Intel Corp., INTC, Technological forecasting, Microprocessors, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, Fujitsu Ltd., DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), Mitsubishi Electric Corp., DRAM, Future of Computing, 1990 AD, International Solid State Circuits Conference

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In search of short-order chips

Article Abstract:

Many observers of the American semiconductor industry believe that a radical change in the way semiconductors are fabricated is needed to keep American companies competitive. The main problem is that American firms cannot afford to spend the estimated $300 million it costs to build state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facilities. One alternative being pursued is a downsizing philosophy that emphasizes a move towards production machines that perform several process on a single chip. The concept involves a move away from assembly line-style mass production and towards machines that can completely produce a single chip at a time. Researchers at Stanford University and Texas Instruments are working on just such a scheme that would provide low-cost production of chips that are needed in small numbers.

Integrated circuit fabrication, Industrial research, Design and construction, Semiconductor production equipment industry, Semiconductor production equipment, Computer system conversion, Research and Development, System Conversion, Semiconductor Preparation

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