Using nanomechanical transistors to build a nanocomputer
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.
Further reading:
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...
The current sentiment of the global electronics manufacturing supply chain
News
In its latest report, the Global Electronics Association provides an analysis of the current sentiment and conditions in the global electronics manufacturing supply chain as of June 2025.
Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase in May
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association recently announced global semiconductor sales were $59,0 billion during the month of May 2025, an increase of 19,8%.
Read more...
New president for Avnet EMEA
News
Avnet has announced that Avnet Silica’s president, Gilles Beltran, will step into the role of president of Avnet EMEA.
Read more...
DARPA sets new record for wireless power beaming
News
In tests performed in New Mexico, the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay program team recorded over 800 W of power delivered for about 30 seconds with a laser beam crossing 8,6 kilometres.
Read more...
Nordic Semiconductor acquires Memfault
RF Design
News
With this acquisition, Nordic has launched its first complete chip-to-cloud platform for lifecycle management of connected products.
Read more...
Trina storage demonstrates high efficiency and long-term reliability
News
Independent testing confirms 95,2% DC efficiency and 98% capacity retention after one year of operation.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing
News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.
Read more...
printer friendly version