Chips: You Can't Have Just One: Page 2 of 2

For most applications, the benefits of increased integration still outweigh those drawbacks. But like all good things, the benefits eventually must end. Despite the hype, few applications will see a day when the phrase "system-on-chip" can be taken literally.

Jeff Bier is the general manager of Berkeley Design Technology Inc. (www.BDTI.com), the DSP technology analysis and software development company. Kenton Williston of BDTI contributed to this column.