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New Low Powered Computer Chip?

Posted by Cliff on from the getting-the-low-down-on-new-info dept.

mister nate writes: "Last night on PBS's Nightly Business Report (6/22), I saw the stock quotes and noticed a blurb about International Rectifier (IRF). According to the transcript, '...the company unveiled a new generation of computer chips which use only about half of the electricity required by current chips in appliances.' Not having heard anything about this previously, I went to IRF's Web site. I saw a lot info about power supplies and converters, but not anything that was a 'new generation computer chip'. Does anyone know what this is?"

3 comments

  1. I know about it... by grammar+nazi · · Score: 1

    I think it's made by Transmeta.

    :-)

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    Keeping /. free of grammatical errors for ~5 years.
  2. Computer Chips by Detritus · · Score: 4

    I think someone got confused about the difference between general purpose microprocessors and power/motor controller chips. Some of these controller chips are fairly complex and sophisticated. Better electric motor controllers chips can save substantial amounts of electricity, not in the controller chip itself but by more efficient use of electricity in the electric motor.

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    Mea navis aericumbens anguillis abundat
  3. The article is there now by Zoyd · · Score: 2

    [On their website,] I saw a lot info about power supplies and converters, but not anything that was a 'new generation computer chip'

    On the homepage, it says, "Investor News:
    International Rectifier Announces New Generation of Power Chips more...". When you click more, it says, "With energy savings as great as 50 percent, these power chips offer huge potential to...."