Intel creates technology to enable ‘wireless-Internet-on-a-chip’

May 18, 2001 – Santa Clara, CA – Intel has unveiled an experimental computer chip based on a new process technology that combines the core components of today’s cellular phones and handheld computers.

This integrated, “wireless-Internet-on-a-chip” technology, shown at the Intel Developer Forum in Amsterdam, could enable a new era of wireless Internet-access products with extensive battery life and greater processing power, according to the chipmaker.

Intel said the new research chips feature logic (microprocessor), flash memory and analog communications circuits on a single piece of silicon built using a single manufacturing process. Each of these types of circuits is traditionally manufactured on separate process technologies in different factories.

Chips produced on the new process may be up to five times more powerful than those used in today’s cell phones, capable of operating at speeds of up to 1 GHz and providing up to a month of battery life, according to Intel.

“By carefully merging Intel’s low-power, high-performance logic technology with Intel’s high-density flash memory technology and adding precision analog elements, we are able to cost-effectively integrate all the key silicon technology elements required for the next generation of wireless devices – without compromising performance or density,” said Sunlin Chou, senior VP and general manager of Intel’s technology and manufacturing group

“In the last 10 years of mobile device evolution, we have seen integration technology add significant functionality and battery life while reducing size and cost to users,” said Ron Smith, senior VP and general manager of Intel’s wireless computing and communications group “We believe Intel’s new process technology will extend this trend. Within the next five to 10 years, we should not be surprised to see devices such as wearable computers or even video watch phones become widely available.”

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