On scenario #2, you`re correct, the development time on a new chip (from scratch to silicon) is far greater than 7 months, perhaps more like 18-24 months - that`s an approximation, but it`s been about 20 years since I`ve been close to the chip fab process, so leadtimes could be shorter than that by now.

But we`re not talking about scratch to silicon in this case, but I`ll still side with you that to condense the process of getting the core, modifying it and then producing a finished product in 7 months is pretty clost to fantasy anyway.

I think Clubfed or Caseysan have chip or semiconductor sales backgrounds...if they`re reading.....?

Regards.