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TechJumper
11-08-2000, 07:25 PM
Robert Richmond's Review of IBM Silicon-On-Insulator Technology

Reviewer: Michael Morelli
Review Date: 11/8/00

Mr. Richmond delivers another smash-hit review of some new technology that may allow processors to venture into the 5Ghz realm within 5 years. Robert describes the processes that currently opperate within a processor, as well as a very technical and descriptive insight as to what has to happen before this technology will work.

On a portion of the review dealing with CMOS specifications, Rob finds there is a problem with current CMOS capabilities.

"Through computer aided testing, most manufacturers agree that CMOS technology will not be able to scale efficiently below the .10 micron die size. Current CPUs, such as the Pentium III, are manufactured with a .18-micron process. The need for smaller die sizes is clearly evident as core clock speeds increase."

QUESTION TO THE AUTHOR:

What do you think the solution will be? How will this happen.


SUMMARY

Overall the review was very descriptive, highly technical, and delivered some pretty startling information. Who knows what we can do operating at 5Ghz! Lets all give Mr. Richmond a round-of-applause for making all our days http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

If you haven't already, check out the review at the following link:
<http://sysopt.earthweb.com/articles/soi/index.html>


Please post your feedback on the review. Did you like it? Was it too technical? Did it cover all the needed areas of this topic?

In any case- it will be interesting to see how all this turns out, I can't wait!


- - - This has been a Michael Morelli "Review of the review"- - - -

Not copyright 2000 Michael Morelli

RobRich
11-09-2000, 11:47 AM
What do you think the solution will be?

For those seeking other ideas about the future of semiconductor technology, I recommend taking a read over of Silicon Germanium technology. Implemented along side SOI, SG could offer scalablity well beyond 10 GHz with microprocessor cores.

For more info, I would suggest reading these technical documents:

http://www.chips.ibm.com/bluelogic/showcase/sige/irps00_vold.pdf

http://www.chips.ibm.com/bluelogic/showcase/sige/isscc99.ppt

http://www.chips.ibm.com/bluelogic/showcase/sige/Esdrc98.PDF

http://www.chips.ibm.com/bluelogic/showcase/sige/Sige6sf_bctm99b.pdf

These links should keep the curious busy for awhile. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks,
Robert Richmond

TechJumper
11-09-2000, 05:16 PM
But Rob,

It just seems like a lot of other components will have to also radically advance themsleves in order for this to all work. How and when do you see these components reaching the level of compatability it would take to impliment this 10Ghz technology?


Thank you,

TJ

superraton01
11-25-2000, 04:55 PM
when I worked in microwave, 18ghz is
a routine speed, and 60ghz is not
unheard of. the bottleneck is, as freq
increases, wire length becomes a greater
fraction of wavelength and so each wire
developes inductive impedence. microwv
engineers are used to dealing with
this, but digital engineers less so.

TechJumper
11-25-2000, 06:57 PM
You are correct- which is why this technology is so startling to me. For the first time, those kind of Ghz ranges may be available for consumers,,in the foreseeable future.

Mike