NatSemi unveils 'information appliance-on-a-chip'

National Semiconductor has launched its Geode family of information appliance (IA) products, based on the SC1400 integrated processor.

The long-awaited 'IA-on-a-chip' product will be targeted at the set-top box (STB), thin client/Windows terminal, and personal access device markets.

The SC1400 combines an x86 MediaGX processor core, system logic, graphics, MPEG4 video decompression, audio, TV I/O and peripheral I/O - all functions that would typically be found as separate components in most PCs and video streaming boxes.

Roland Andersson, NatSemi VP and general manager, Europe, said demand for the Geode line had been driven by the growth of the Internet, and "the cry for ease-of-use" from end-users.

The SC1400 will initially be produced using 0.25 micron technology, and will soon migrate to 0.18 micron. NatSemi said volume production will be measured in the millions. Manufacturing will be sub-contracted to the purchaser of its Portland fab.

The head of the company's Tel Aviv engineering team, VP and product line director, IAOAC (Information Appliances On A Chip), Yomtov Sidi, stressed Geode's power efficiency. He also said the company is committed to continue developing a high-end x86 core, even though NatSemi two weeks ago announced the sale of its Cyrix microprocessor subsidiary.

Thorsten Herfet, R&D director at Grundig, said Geode chips will be used in its STBs, and within other household devices, such as telephones.

Besides the German manufacturer, Acer, AOL, Philips Electronics and Wyse Technology have agreed to use the chips.