LSI Logic Corp yesterday announced that it is leading the way to 0.25 micron chip geometries among application-specific chip specialists, and says that the move to such fine design rules enables it to cram 49m transistors onto the standard chip size it uses. LSI calls the 0.25 micron process G10, and notes that it is already used in the R-series-derived processor used in Sony Corp’s new PlayStation games machine, which packs microprocessor, graphics circuitry and other functions on a single chip. Bidding for a contract with an undisclosed European – either Nokia Oy or L M Ericsson Telefon AB, presumably, LSI plans to use its new process to squeeze all the functions of digital cellular telephone onto one extremely small, inexpensive chip. The company looks to reach high volume G10, which begins reaching high-volume production in the first quarter of 1996. The process should account for 15% to 20% of LSI’s business in 1996, and as much as 50% in 1997.
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