Intel develops world's smallest, fastest CMOS transistor

28 February 2001 News

Intel researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough by building the world's smallest and fastest CMOS transistor. Intel believes this breakthrough will allow it within the next five to 10 years to build microprocessors containing more than 400 million transistors, running at 10 GHz (10 billion cycles per second) and operating at less than one volt.

The transistors feature structures just 30 nanometres in size and three atomic layers thick.

According to Intel, these new transistors, which control the flow of electrons inside a microchip, could complete 400 million calculations in the blink of an eye or finish two million calculations in the time it takes a speeding bullet to travel one inch.

By aggressively reducing all of the transistor's dimensions, the Intel researchers reduced the gate oxides to just three atomic layers thick. What is significant is that these experimental transistors, while featuring capabilities that are generations beyond the most advanced technologies used in manufacturing today, were built using the same physical structure as in today's computer chips, said Intel.

According to Intel, the most significant thing about transistors is that they are simultaneously small and fast and work at low voltage. Typically you can achieve two of the three but delivering on all facets is a significant accomplishment."

For more information see www.intel.com/research/silicon

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve ...

Read more...

---

Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Read more...

---

Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).

Read more...

---

Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.

Read more...

---

TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.

Read more...

---

Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.

Read more...

---

Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.

Read more...

---

Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.

Read more...

---

Vicor Powering Innovation podcast
News
The episode explores electrification with Lightning Motorcycles, a company that produces the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet.

Read more...

---

ModusToolbox Workshop 3
News
This workshop will focus on enabling a PSoC development kit, connected over Wi-Fi and leveraging MQTT, to create the framework of an IoT application.

Read more...

---