Analysis: Intel slowly gears up for system-on-chips

Industry yet to feel impact of changes inside PC giant

Rick Merritt, EE Times
(07/09/2009 3:57 PM EDT)

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Intel Corp. isn't giving much detail on its two-year old initiative to become a systems-on-chip supplier. But interviews with executives and analysts show the company is making gradual progress laying the foundations to build competitive SoCs for cellphones, TVs, videogame consoles and communications gear.
The initiative strategically opens up whole new markets for Intel beyond its maturing PC business. But it requires new tools and skills for the company, and it puts Intel into direct competition with ARM Ltd., IBM Corp., MIPS Technologies and the long list of well-established embedded chip makers using those company's cores.

The x86 giant's first crop of SoCs so far has failed to gain any design wins among top tier OEMs. Nevertheless, Intel has made strides developing the process technology, design tools, interconnect strategy and silicon blocks it needs to become a significant player.

In a series of interviews, Intel execs sketched out the company's progress to date. They were most specific in the area of the company's greatest strength—process technology.

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