High-Efficiency Discovery Drives Low-Power Computing
December 17, 2018 | University of AlbertaEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Challenge any modern human to go a day without a phone or computer, and you’d be hard pressed to get any takers. Our collective obsession with all things electronic is driving a dramatic daily drain on the world’s power. In fact, according to studies from the Semiconductor Research Corporation, if we continue on pace with our current ever-increasing energy consumption, by the year 2035, we will use all of the world’s energy to run our computers - an impossible/unsustainable situation.
To combat this looming energy crisis, enter Robert Wolkow. The University of Alberta atomic physicist has devoted his career to developing greener, faster, smaller technology. Research published by his lab this week points to tangible solutions that technology developers can implement now to save society’s power for the next generation.
“Today’s electronics have reached a point of maturation and can’t be made any better. We have to stop using so much electricity to run our computers, and that means we need a drastic change in the kind of computers we use,” said Wolkow, noting that today’s computers can’t run much faster than computers made 10 years ago.
“The atom-scale devices we are developing create a new basis for computer electronics that will be able to run at least 100 times faster or operate at the same speed as today but using 100 times less energy,” continued Wolkow. “We have plotted a path to sustainable, responsible economic growth and green technology that’s good for everyone.”
Extending the Silicon Road Map
Wolkow’s findings, supported by his graduate students and research associates at the University of Alberta and the National Research Council Canada as well as spinoff Quantum Silicon Inc. (QSi), demonstrate not only the option to trade speed and power but also the scalability of binary atomic silicon logic.
“It’s still a familiar binary computer. You can run the same programs. The insides are just a lot better” said Wolkow of his new all silicon device design. “Because our components are made of silicon, we make a straightforward marriage of the new atomic-scale technology with the standard CMOS technology that powers today’s electronics, providing an easy entryway to market.”
Suggested Items
Warm Windows and Streamlined Skin Patches – IDTechEx Explores Flexible and Printed Electronics
04/26/2024 | IDTechExFlexible and printed electronics can be integrated into cars and homes to create modern aesthetics that are beneficial and easy to use. From luminous car controls to food labels that communicate the quality of food, the uses of this technology are endless and can upgrade many areas of everyday life.
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics
04/24/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn our fast-changing, deeply competitive, and margin-tight industry, factory analytics can be the key to unlocking untapped improvements to guarantee a thriving business. On top of that, electronics manufacturers are facing a tremendous burden to do more with less. If you don't already have a copy of this book, what follows is an excerpt from the introduction chapter of 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics: Unlocking Efficiency Through Data Insights' to whet your appetite.
Listen Up! The Intricacies of PCB Drilling Detailed in New Podcast Episode
04/25/2024 | I-Connect007In episode 5 of the podcast series, On the Line With: Designing for Reality, Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Winner of The Science Show Rakett 69 Receives Incap Scholarship
04/24/2024 | IncapThe winner of the Rakett 69 science show, Andri Türkson, who stood out as an electronics enthusiast, received a scholarship from Incap Estonia, along with an internship opportunity in Saaremaa.