Shanghai Jiao Tong University has asked authorities to investigate an allegation that a digital chip hailed as a ground-breaking innovation by the university, is a copy of an overseas design.

The chip, HISYS, was seen as the conqueror of the foreign digital product monopoly.

HISYS, the central processing unit in a growing number of digital devices ranging from mobile phones to air conditioners, was developed by a team of engineers at the university's IC and Systems Research Center. The center is headed by Chen Jin, a returned overseas student in his early 30s.

A company associated with the university, Shanghai Jiao Da HISYS Technology Co., produces and markets the chip.

An anonymous person claimed on the Internet that HISYS chips are merely duplicated versions of a chip produced by a large foreign company.

The person claimed that Shanghai Jiao Da HISYS Technology Co. simply wiped out the other company's logo and replaced it with its own. The person claimed to have evidence to prove all HISYS chips from I to V are copies.

There have also been Internet postings suggesting the university team faked the chip discovery to get research and development funds from the Chinese government.

On Sina.com, Shanghai Jiao Da HISYS Technology Co. denied all of the allegations and said it reserved its right to legal action.

The university said the research and development for the chip followed the national regulation and procedure and the verification of the development achievements had been endorsed by authorities. It has asked authorities to investigate the allegation and the result will be announced "at a proper time."

(Shanghai Daily January 28, 2006)