New Transistor Tech Promises Revolution in CPU Design

pczone.co.uk:

A group of boffins in Vienna have made a startling announcement, boasting to have found a way to revolutionise one of the fundamental parts of any modern computer: the transistor.

Using the exotic element Germanium (which has a special electronic structure) they claim to have created what they’re calling an ‘adaptive transistor’. A design that can change its configuration on a whim, based on what tasks the CPU is being asked to perform.

Not only would the insane drop in transistor count be a real cost saver, but the leaner design would make the whole unit much easier to cool, and would significantly reduce power consumption (which will keep the kale eaters happy).

Although transistors are incredible tiny devices, they are rather simple – as they control the flow of current from one end (the source) to the other (the drain). The gate is the last part and is what stops the current when needed.

Now that we are beginning to reach the physical limits of just how small we can make and densely pack transistors, an upgrade to the functionality of their design is very welcome news to anyone in the incredibly competitive chip-fabrication industry.

One of the leading nerds on the project, Watler Weber, explains: “Arithmetic operations, which previously required 160 transistors, are possible with 24 transistors due to this increased adaptability. In this way, the speed and energy efficiency of the circuits can also be significantly increased.”

So there’s your 85% reduction figure. An amazing feat if it translates into real-world products. Don’t expect a brand new chip built entirely on this design anytime soon though, as the team says it will only be incorporated into existing semiconductor designs, at least for now.

Of course, the real