Technology 1992-solid state

Reduced-instruction-set computer (RISC) architecture entrenched itself more deeply in 1991. Embedded microcontrollers reached new levels of integration, became easier to program, and attained even greater acceptance as embedded components. Explosive growth was seen in field-programmable gate arrays. Digital signal processors are being embedded in modems, speech recognition equipment, and other telecommunications products. Most chip suppliers are preparing chips for a shift in power supply voltage from the usual 5 V to 3.3 V or less. The cost of manufacturing systems continued its exponential rise.<<ETX>>