Fujitsu Ltd has developed a hybrid integrated circuit that it claims integrates a complete Ethernet interface on a single chip. According to Newsbytes, the chip is implemented in high density double sided bonding technology, and Fujitsu says it will enable manufacturers to equip even the smallest portable computer with Ethernet capabilities. The MBH10351 measures 1.1 square and integrated onto its surface are 20 devices, including a local network controller, 256Kb of static random access memory, and driver circuitry blown on to an erasable EPROM. Fujitsu says samples of the new chip have begun shipping at $110, but the price is expected to fall once volume shipments beun in September, when around 10,000 chips a month will be coming off the fab line.
