3D Transistors Promise 50GHz Processors

[Vandoura]

Yes yes, you all thinking about it we all already have 100GHz in our super computer blah blah blah, but this one in developing is 50GHz in 1 chip

http://www.megagames.com/news/html/hardware/3dtransistorspromise50ghzprocessors.shtml

Description
Japanese R&D firm Unisantis claims that their new Surrounding Gate Transistor technology will have processor clockspeeds reach 50GHz.

The Japanese firm is entering a 24-month collaborative agreement with Singapore's Institute of Microelectronics for simultaneous design work.

By using a 3D structure that arranges components vertically, Unisantis believes that they can reach clockspeeds ranging between 20GHZ to 50 GHz. Current technology lays transistors in a 2D horizontal plane

The design is headed by the man credited for the invention of flash memory, Fujio Masuoka, CTO of Unisantis. Masuoka will be joined by some 30 academics, engineers and scientists on the project.

According to Masuoko, SGT is a vertical silicon pillar surrounded by memory cells, electrical contacts and various other unnamed components. The 3-D structure should reduce the distance that electrons travel, generate less heat and cost less to produce than existing chips.

"The SGT also allows further improvements in silicon-based semiconductors, in terms of transistor size and processing speed, for at least 30 more years before the theoretical limits are reached. Such improvements are necessary for new-generation IC chips to meet the computing power demanded by IT products and computing networks of ever-increasing functionality and complexity," said Masuoka.

Idk is this a hoax or not, but in 30years... we'll see

 

[Nevlc]

It probably isn't a hoax, having been reported on by several reputable tech sites, but it's young and mostly untested technology. If they can make it work consistently and be able to produce it at a relatively low enough cost, this could be the next big thing. I'll have to keep an eye on this. Good find.

Edit: Here's the official announcement: http://www.ime.a-star.edu.sg/html/highlights_200712_02.html

 

[Vandoura]

But if it take 30 years, then is kinda useless since techology are advancing so fast, we may not even use "PC" anymore in near future, 50GHz in 2037 seem look like a slow processor, but if while they researching and increase their processor speed into 250GHz-1THz (Tera) by that time, is more reasonable. but if this finalized in 2-5years... then is a break thru, but in finalized in 30 years and only getting 50GHz then is seem waste of money and time to develop 3D Transistors lol just my opinion


*in before Cmdrfly*

 

[Nevlc]

The articles reads that this technology will extend the life of silicon based semiconductors for 30 years in terms of constructing improvements before reaching theoretical limits of the technology (how much it can go before it cannot be improved any further), not that it will take thirty years to implement. From the looks of things, 20 years of work has gone into this, and we may well see it in action within the next few years.

 

[Vandoura]

thats a good news then ^^ (i didn't read the full articles ) now, lets hope this 3D Transistors isn't too big and can't be fit into our computer.

50GHz for maybe <$500 won't be that bad for few weeks after launch thats like bargain compare to Quad Core from intel around =<$1000

 

[Nevlc]

If it were small enough to fit into a computer AND specialized processing chips (like, say, a graphics card), I might sell an organ or two to see that kind of power.

Seriously, though, this does look promising. I really do hope something comes of it. I don't know why the average homeowner would need that kind of processing power, but I wouldn't mind having a powerful machine like that taking up space in my living room.

 

[Vandoura]

If people willing to spend Geforce 8800 GTX Ultra when it first came out for like around $800 a card, just because you're rich and want a powerful machine, i'm sure there is some idiots willing to buy a 50Ghz Processor to show off their friends and type their comp's spectheir forum sig.

but think about it, let say it release today, you don't need to upgrade your processor maybe for like 10+ years? lol, save you hell alot of money and since no software out there for home/small buisness need more then 3ghz beside gaming atm. If this processor is cheap and affordable, i think is worth it to get for all PC user