3D carbon nanotubes increase the processing speed of computer chips

American researchers say they use carbon nanotubes instead of silicon as a raw material, allowing memory and processors to be stacked in three dimensions, reducing the time between data, thereby dramatically increasing the processing speed of computer chips. The 3D chip developed by the method is likely to run 1000 times faster than the current chip.

One of the researchers, Max Shacker, a Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering at Stanford University, explains that the "blocker" that hinders the speed of a computer is that it takes a lot of time and energy to switch data back and forth between the processor and the memory. However, solving this problem requires a lot of skill. The memory and central processing unit (CPU) cannot be placed on the same wafer because the silicon-based wafer must be heated to about 1000 degrees Celsius; many metal components in the hardware are melted at this high temperature.

To this end, Sharakel and his mentor Sabhas Mitra and others turned their attention to carbon nanotubes. According to Sharakel, carbon nanotubes have the characteristics of light weight and hexagonal structure, which can be processed at low temperatures. Compared with traditional transistors, they are smaller in size, more conductive, and can support fast switching. Its performance and energy performance are far better than traditional silicon materials.

But using carbon nanotubes to make chips is not easy. First, the growth mode of carbon nanotubes is very poorly controlled; secondly, the presence of a small amount of metallic carbon nanotubes can impair the performance of the entire chip. The researchers managed to solve these problems and in 2013 produced the world's first carbon nanotube computer. However, this computer is slow and cumbersome and has only a few transistors.

Now, researchers have gone one step further and developed a way to stack memory and transistor layers. The new 3D design method drastically reduces the “commuting” time of data back and forth between the transistor and the memory. 1000 times that of existing chips. Moreover, the research team also used the new chip architecture to develop a number of sensor wafers that can be used to detect infrared rays, specific chemicals, and the like. Next, they plan to upgrade the system to make larger and more complex chips.

The evolution of electronic components has never stopped. They have become smaller, stronger, and cheaper. At the same time, scientists have never stopped pursuing speed. In the fall two years ago, a research team at Stanford University developed the world's first computer based on carbon nanotubes, and took the first step in challenging mainstream materials for "silicon chip" computer manufacturing; two years later, Scientists have made this chip a fashionable 3D carbon nanotube computer chip. We can't help but sigh the imagination of scientists. Even the new stacking method can increase the speed of computer chips by 1000 times.

Concerned about surprises

GCN40

Gas-actuated fastening tool for interior finishing applications

Features/Benefits

• Gas Technology – Fuel Injection
• No License Required
• Easy push down force
• Battery "OFF" position
• Magazine Capacity: 30-Pin Magazine
• DC 7.4v Li-ion battery platform shared with other NANSHAN gas actuated tools
  
• Fastener length range:  40mm maximum
• Drives 1000 fasteners with a single gas can