National Semiconductor unveils Geode chips

National Semiconductor has unveiled three system-on-a-chip microprocessors designed for use in information appliances such as internet access devices, set-top boxes and thin clients.

The x86-based Geode family of chips integrates capabilities such as audio and graphics onto a single piece of silicon.

The Geode SC1200 processor is aimed at set-top boxes, the Geode SC2200 processor is designed for thin-client devices, and the Geode SC3200 is for use in mobile internet access devices such as web pads.

According to National Semiconductor, the information appliance market is expected to grow at 60 per cent during the next five years, approaching one billion units by 2005.

Products based on the processors are expected to be launched at November's Comdex trade show in Las Vegas.

The chips are also designed to compete directly with Intel and Transmeta, which have both launched chips aimed at the information appliance market during the past few months.

In June, National Semiconductor launched an x86 chip, which it claimed had a typical power consumption of less than one watt, rivalling the Crusoe chips announced by Transmeta in January.