First True 3D Processor Created, Runs at 1.4 GHz

jmke · 16th September 2008, 19:37

While quantum computers and fiber optic computers are certainly ideal candidates for a silicon PC replacement, they remain in the distant future. In the meantime, one key unexploited domain, which may give silicon a stay of retirement, is 3D chip technologies.

Today virtually all chips on the market are flat, two dimensional designs. While this is somewhat efficient from a cooling perspective, it offers definite limitations in terms of computing resources per given space. A 3D chip could theoretically be much more compact, while being equally efficient. This would have the added perk that it could reduce defects, as larger dies typically lead to more defects. It would also limit propagation delays by shortening interconnects and make the chip harder to reverse engineer.

While some chips designs have claimed to be "3D", most of these designs are merely stacked chips with a few communications interconnects and not mass interoperation between stacked layers. Now the University of Rochester has demoed perhaps the first true 3D processor design. The chip is optimized in 3 dimensions and runs at a speedy 1.4 GHz. Its unique design allows it to become the first chip to offer full functionality in three dimensions in tasks involving synchronicity, power distribution, and long-distance signaling.

http://www.dailytech.com/First+True+...ticle12967.htm

16th September 2008, 21:02

That's what I'm hoping for, a quantum leap in technology... Hot just QuadHD bs... Sounds great, and I suspect there is enormous potential in this thing.

jmke · 16th September 2008, 22:23

of course it's all nice on paper

17th September 2008, 12:10

Sounds great in the beginning, but if you continue reading it becomes clear that it's actualy nothing but different 'cores' (each optimised for some task) stacked onto each other.
I don't see a future in it, honestly. It's probably a lot cheaper (and more flexible) if the different cores are seperated. Most manufacturers don't care about the speed impact, cheaper = more sales = more profit = better.

16th September 2008, 19:37	#1
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 79,022	First True 3D Processor Created, Runs at 1.4 GHz While quantum computers and fiber optic computers are certainly ideal candidates for a silicon PC replacement, they remain in the distant future. In the meantime, one key unexploited domain, which may give silicon a stay of retirement, is 3D chip technologies. Today virtually all chips on the market are flat, two dimensional designs. While this is somewhat efficient from a cooling perspective, it offers definite limitations in terms of computing resources per given space. A 3D chip could theoretically be much more compact, while being equally efficient. This would have the added perk that it could reduce defects, as larger dies typically lead to more defects. It would also limit propagation delays by shortening interconnects and make the chip harder to reverse engineer. While some chips designs have claimed to be "3D", most of these designs are merely stacked chips with a few communications interconnects and not mass interoperation between stacked layers. Now the University of Rochester has demoed perhaps the first true 3D processor design. The chip is optimized in 3 dimensions and runs at a speedy 1.4 GHz. Its unique design allows it to become the first chip to offer full functionality in three dimensions in tasks involving synchronicity, power distribution, and long-distance signaling. http://www.dailytech.com/First+True+...ticle12967.htm __________________

16th September 2008, 22:23	#3
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 79,022	of course it's all nice on paper __________________

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16th September 2008, 21:02	#2
npp Posts: n/a	That's what I'm hoping for, a quantum leap in technology... Hot just QuadHD bs... Sounds great, and I suspect there is enormous potential in this thing.

17th September 2008, 12:10	#4
wutske Posts: n/a	Sounds great in the beginning, but if you continue reading it becomes clear that it's actualy nothing but different 'cores' (each optimised for some task) stacked onto each other. I don't see a future in it, honestly. It's probably a lot cheaper (and more flexible) if the different cores are seperated. Most manufacturers don't care about the speed impact, cheaper = more sales = more profit = better.