by Charles Ng, Kilopass Technology -- 4/14/2005 EDN The pervasiveness of audio/video/data convergence, along with consumer-driven demand for new products at ever-decreasing prices, is squeezing the manufacturers of the SOCs (systems on chip) at the heart of devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, cell phones, and PDAs. Adding to the "price-drop" problem is the expansion of demand for such products in China and Eastern Europe, where incomes substantially lower than those in Europe and the United States dictate that consumer products be made available at significantly lower cost. With the resultant drop in product margins, chip manufacturers are looking for ways they can cut chip cost.
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