Chip Connects Mobile Devices To The Internet October 2000 Issue Published Date: October 01, 2000
Claiming to be the industry's first wireless chip to connect mobile and remote products and systems to the Internet, the iChip Internet Controller works in tandem with the product's host processor to mediate the CPU-to-Internet connection. This peripheral device is claimed to speed the time-to-market by eliminating the need for a hardware redesign or a new operating system. It enables Internet access via any Internet service provider. The firmware-based iChip includes up to 512 KB of on-board flash memory for storing and updating the TCP/IP and other Internet protocols. And its high-level command set is said to enable OEMs to Internet-enable their devices within hours by writing a few lines of code. The IC also includes HTTP client software, enabling wireless products to download web pages. The Internet controller chip costs $20 each/10,000.
