Intel introduces smaller flash memory chips

SANTA CLARA: Intel Corp. has introduced new flash memory chips, widely used

in cellular phones, that are half the size of their predecessors and claimed

that it was two technology generations ahead of its competitors.

Santa Clara, California-based Intel said that the flash memory chips are

built using its latest chip-making technology, where some dimensions on the

chips are 0.13 microns across. Currently, Intel makes most of its chips using

0.18 micron process technology.

Intel is the world's largest maker of flash memory chips, while Advanced

Micro Devices Inc. is No. 2 and Japan's Fujitsu ranks No. 3. The flash chip

market has been savaged this year by flagging demand and falling prices,

although there have been hints of stabilization in recent weeks.

Intel said the new chip is nearly 50 per cent smaller and consumes less power

than its 0.18 forerunner, which can help in creating ever smaller devices that

use flash chips, such as cell phones. Flash chips retain their data when current

to the device is switched off.

Intel is making an aggressive push into the new 0.13 micron chipmaking

technology, spending $7.5 billion this year on capital investments, most of it

on equipment to make chips with smaller line widths and on larger,

dinner-plate-sized silicon wafers.

Intel is also the world's largest maker of microprocessors, the primary

computing engine of personal computers, and roughly 80 per cent of its sales

from PC-related products such as processors, chipsets and motherboards.

(C) Reuters Limited.