Low-power chip targets Net devices

National Semiconductor released its latest low-cost, low-power integrated processors for set-top boxes and other so-called Internet appliances.

The new Geode chip will be made using the 0.18-micron, rather than the 0.25-micron manufacturing process, will run at speeds up to 300 MHz, and provide better battery life than earlier models, company officials said.

Geode chips contain an Intel-compatible processor, a graphics unit, a memory controller, an audio processor and other functions on a single chip.

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