Texas Instruments develops spiffing chip process

US CHIP MAKER Texas Instruments (TI) has come up with a new new manufacturing process will double the number of chips it produces on each silicon wafer.

The outfit claims that the new process will increase processing speed, cut power consumption, and help TI compete with Intel.

TI, which tends to make chips and bits for mobile phones, said that the 45-nanometer chip-making process could lift device speeds by around 30 per cent and cut power consumption by 40 per cent.

It allows wireless users to run more simultaneous applications, such as playing games with 3-D graphics while running video conferences or receiving e-mail in the background. TI uses what it claims is the smallest 45-nm SRAM memory cell, occupying only 0.24 square microns, up to 30 percent smaller than other 45-nm memory cells.

TI said the 45-nanometer process will be made in Texas will start production in mid-2008.

However, Intel is very relaxed about the news. This is probably because its version of similar technology will be in production by the end of next year, beating TI to the punch by almost a year. All TI has done has beaten Intel to the press release, rather than production, it appears. µ

More here. µ