The 350GHz transistor uses SiGe, but with a twist. A new structure, which IBM will detail at the conference, increases performance, an IBM representative said. The development of the new transistor "is rather exciting for us in terms of both hitting this performance point and in the fact that we believe this...structure is scalable in the future," said Ron Soicher, director of business development for IBM's Technology Group. Future home networks that transmit more data at faster rates are a potential application for chips based on the new transistor. These networks, which would be available for businesses as well, would have the bandwidth to transmit high-quality video, such as uncompressed HDTV (high-definition television) or graphics for television and games. A person could watch a movie on a remote screen or play an online video game from a remote console, for example, even if a computer is located in a living room or a den, Soicher said. It's a concept that's already catching on. Both Sharp and JVC have demonstrated products that create a wireless link between set-tops and high-definition displays. Such future chips could also be used with automotive anticollision radar or in dual-purpose mobile phones that connect to both WANs (wide area networks) and the new high-bandwidth LANs, Soicher said. Indeed, analysts say IBM's transistor gives it an edge in wireless communications equipment. At this stage, Intel -- one of Big Blue's biggest competitors -- appears to be focused on lower bandwidth applications, said Richard Doherty, an analyst with Envisioneering. But while IBM may have won this match, the game's not over, Doherty said. He expects Intel, Fujitsu and other chipmakers to respond and likely create similar transistors over time. IBM acknowledges that its transistors and chips have several competitors. But the company feels confident its SiGe chips driven by 350GHz transistor designs can compete. "IBM is continuing to pull ahead in the SiGe arena. We're getting innovations at a very fast pace," Soicher said.
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