AMD, IBM develop silicon transistor technology to improve processor performance

Anon-15281db623 · Dec 14, 2004

http://www.dmeurope.com/default.asp?ArticleID=4935

Microprocessor maker AMD and IBM have developed a strained silicon transistor technology aimed at improving processor performance and power efficiency. The process results in up to a 24 per cent transistor speed increase, at the same power levels, compared to similar transistors produced without the technology.

Faster, more power-efficient transistors are the building blocks of higher performance, lower power processors. As transistors get smaller, they operate faster, but also risk operating at higher power and heat levels due to electrical leakage or inefficient switching. AMD and IBM's jointly developed strained silicon is to overcome these challenges. In addition, this process makes AMD and IBM the first companies to introduce strained silicon that works with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology.

AMD intends to gradually integrate the new strained silicon technology into all of its 90nm processor platforms, including its future multi-core AMD64 processors. AMD plans to ship the first 90nm AMD64 processors using the technology in the first half of 2005.

IBM plans to introduce the technology on multiple 90nm processor platforms, including its Power Architecture-based chips, with the first products slated to begin shipping in the first half of 2005.

The new strained silicon process, called "Dual Stress Liner," enhances the performance of both types of semiconductor transistors, called n-channel and p-channel transistors, by stretching silicon atoms in one transistor and compressing them in the other. The dual stress liner technique works without the introduction of challenging, costly new production techniques, allowing for its rapid integration into volume manufacturing using standard tools and materials.

IBM and AMD have been collaborating on the development of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technologies since January 2003.
Click to expand...

All i can say.

cooked

Log in or Sign up

AMD, IBM develop silicon transistor technology to improve processor performance

Anon-15281db623 Anonymized

Log in or Sign up

AMD, IBM develop silicon transistor technology to improve processor performance

Anon-15281db623 Anonymized

Useful Searches