ST claims sub-$100 chip breakthrough

ST Microelectronics said it has produced an integrated system on a chip which will allow industrial PCs to be built for less than $100. But that begs the question why end users should be denied the benefits of such a system. The announcement will put ST head to head with NatSemi-Cyrix, which has vowed to be a leader in the integrated chip market. ST, formerly SGS Thomson, said its STPC Industrial, aimed at the point of sale market, Internet surfing boxes, gaming consoles and information kiosks has a target volume price of below $40. The design was built using up to date modular diagrams, and the chip's die size includes over 60 per cent of system level integration. The rest is used for CPU activity. ST was not prepared to say who its customers are for the design, but one contender is likely to be Acer. Earlier this year, the company's CEO, Stan Shih, said that the sub-$100 market would be a lucrative area for his company. ® Click here for more stories