Using nanomechanical transistors to build a nanocomputer

News

5 September 2007 News

Information from Frost & Sullivan Technical Insights

As energy efficiency becomes increasingly important, the semiconductor and energy industries are looking for ways to improve power dissipation in highly integrated circuits.

The increasing use of computers is growing the need to reduce power consumption without compromising data integrity.

In this light, Frost & Sullivan has taken interest in work performed by a team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The team has developed a nanomechanical computer (NMC), which uses nano-electromechanical system (NEMS) elements. The NMC is based on nanomechanical transistors.

The developers aimed to construct mechanical elements that are more robust and can handle electromagnetic shocks better than current technology, that have much lower power dissipation and the ability to operate at a much higher temperature without expensive cooling systems.

The team developed NEMS single electron transistors that are effective for microprocessor applications that demand robustness, low power consumption, and high-temperature applications. The system is based on ultrahard materials such as diamond, which can be doped and then processed easily.

When an electric current is applied to these piezoelectric materials, the materials change shape. These shape-changing transistors could be integrated into current silicon chip manufacturing processes. Their operation calls for pushing and pulling on each other, thereby actuating connected elements to create switches, logic gates, and memory units.

Since these NEMS transistors are so small, more can be fitted into the same space compared to a silicon chip. Because there is a smaller separation of logic gates, an NMC using nano transistors likely would be faster than one based on conventional silicon chips. The NMC also could be used in more extreme environments than today's computers, such as very hot conditions, within high voltage electrical installations, or in the harsh environment of space.

For more information contact Patrick Cairns, Frost & Sullivan, +27 (0)21 680 3274.

Share this article:

Vivashan Muthan appointed as head of export sales and operations at RS South Africa
RS South Africa News
With a career spanning engineering, business development, and sales leadership across sub-Saharan Africa, Vivashan Muthan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as head of export sales and operations.

Read more...

Google equips university students across Africa with free access to advanced AI tools
News
A 12-month Google AI Pro plan has been launched for students in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to build foundational AI skills.

Read more...

Africa’s space economy projected to be worth $22,6 billion in 2026
News
South Africa is gearing up to be at the forefront of the growth in the space industry, creating thousands of jobs, driving innovation, and boosting the national economy.

Read more...

Distribution partnership with MacDermid Alpha
Testerion News
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions India Private Limited has announced that as of 01 September 2025 Testerion will be the sole importer and distributor of their products to the South African market.

Read more...

Categories

News

Using nanomechanical transistors to build a nanocomputer

Further reading:

Publications by Technews