Planning for an 'Apollo'-type program for chips
Article Abstract:
Government representatives and semiconductor industry officials combine to advocate a plan to develop an advanced computer chip. According to Ian M. Ross, chair of the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductors and president of AT&T's Bell Laboratories, referring to the American effort that landed a man on the moon: 'It could be the Apollo equivalent of the semiconductor industry.' Details of the plan are not yet clear, but it is anticipated that a significant target would be chosen. According to industry sources, the goal might be a static random access memory (SRAM) capable of storing a gigabit (one billion bits) of information or about 1,000 times what is now possible. Industry, universities and national laboratories would cooperate, but the program would not require the massive federal funding of the space program. The aim is to help the US semiconductor industry compete with the Japanese.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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U.S. chip plan short of its goals: year-end deadline may be extended
Article Abstract:
US Memories is unlikely to meet its goal of $500 million in equity by its self-imposed deadline of Jan 1, 1989. The cooperative venture to manufacture computer memory chips and reduce the reliance of US computer manufacturers on the Japanese is cutting back its funding goal to $300 million. The seven original investors in US Memories have pledged $170 million, and US Memories is looking to institutional investors for another $100 million. This reduces the amount needed from new computer and semiconductor companies to $30 million. US Memories director Sanford L. Kane believes that that amount of investment could come from two to four companies. AT and T, NCR Corp and Tandy Corp are evaluating whether to join US Memories. US Memories will soon license chip technology from IBM.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1989
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Big program is proposed for chips
Article Abstract:
The Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductors support Micro Tech 2000, a project designed to speed the development of semiconductor technology. In a report issued on Aug 29, 1991, a committee of 90 semiconductor experts recommend developing microchips with circuits one-eighth the size of current chips. Work on computer-controlled manufacturing is also recommended. No details of how the project will be funded or managed have been set. The Bush administration generally does not support programs that aid specific industries.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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