Article Abstract:
DEC will use a new technology created by the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp (MCC) to connect silicon processing chips within its computers via a tape-automated bonding process. The process is more efficient and reliable than bonding methods that require metal wire to make the connections. The technology will allow DEC to reduce the size of its laptop and parallel microcomputers. MCC is a research consortium of 19 American corporations including DEC, Boeing Co, Control Data Corp, Eastman Kodak Co and General Electric Co. Such research is vital for US companies, because as computers grow faster, the connection between the chips becomes as important as the chips themselves. IBM has been investigating chip packaging methods, but DEC is one of the first US companies to use tape bonding technology. DEC will use tape bonding in its VAX 6000 Model 400 computer system.
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A three-dimensional computer graphics system developed by Sportsight Inc, Irvine, CA, can track a baseball's trajectory and speed, using that data together with related information to generate a 3-D image on a computer workstation's display. The Sportsight system can manipulate images in various ways, showing a pitch from different viewpoints or measuring a pitch's deviation vertically or laterally from a particular path. The system uses two video cameras that are placed behind and on both sides of home plate. The cameras together record 60 images a second, feeding data to a Silicon Graphics workstation. A Sportsight system costs between $200,000 and $400,000. The market for such expensive devices will probably be restricted to professional sports teams and television networks. Sportsight's system could settle a baseball question: does the 'rising fast ball' actually exist?
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Article Abstract:
Intel Corp introduces the $600 flash memory card, a credit card-sized device that can hold 20Mbytes of memory. The flash card is designed for use with a portable computer. Earlier versions of the card cost twice as much and held only 4Mbytes of memory. Intel expects the new flash card to be popular with users of palmtop and small sub-notebook computers. Flash memory cards are a viable alternative to hard-disk drives. Flash memory cards weigh considerably less than disk drives, and also consume less power. As a result, a battery-powered portable computer can be used for a longer period of time. The market for flash memory cards is expected to grow to $1.5 billion by 1995. Intel faces competition from San Jose, CA-based Atmel Corp and some Japanese companies. Intel stock rose $1.75 to $52.25 on April 23, 1992, in response to the announcement.
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