Chip breakthroughs dominated the list, but applications also generated interest among readers, reflecting growing pressure to bring products to market sooner.

Our No. 2 story for 2006, written by London editor Peter Clarke, described the ARM9-based asynchronous processor developed by ARM Holdings plc and Handshake Solutions NV, a subsidiary of Royal Philips Electronics subsidiary. The ARM996HS is thought to be the first commercial clockless processor and is said to be particularly suited to use as an automotive microcontroller.

We'll continue counting down the top technology stories of 2006 in the days ahead.