Intel's Ivy Bridge – The world's first 3D 22 nm transistor

The idea:

Intel is always known for its advancements in microprocessor technology. Always on the pioneering front in this space, it's position in the microprocessor market remains at the top. Yet again, another invention has been done. This time, the world's first 3D transistors and tri-gate technology will comprise Intel's 2011 processors.

ivy bridge

Modified at a nano-scale, these transistors have lesser size and greater efficiency. Intel is the largest manufacturer of semiconductor chips. Most computers still run on its x86 series of microprocessors.

Expanded as Integrated Electronics Corporation, Santa Clara-based Intel has come a long way since its inception in 1968.

Factbox:

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The making:

Intel has been using the 32 nanometre manufacturing process to make its transistors. Now these transistors will be made using the 22 nanometre manufacturing process. Making it smaller, and easier to pack more in less space, the transistors will increase in density per square area surface.

Since the transistors use 3D tri-gate technology, they consume less power. Tri-Gate transistors will be used in high end servers to mobile devices. Code-named ''Ivy Bridge'', mass production of the transistors is expected before 2011.

At a recent event in San Francisco, Ivy Bridge was test-run on a notebook, desktop and a dual-core, single-core processor.

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What’s new:

Intel will now use the 22 nanometre manufacturing methodology for all future productions of its chips. The new chips will have enhanced processing capabilities, and will consume less electricity.

Tri-Gate transistors have three conducting channels. They reside on the three sides of a vertical fin structure. This design ensures that transistors move away from traditional planar operation, and focus more towards reducing power leaks whilst functioning in lower voltage levels.

Applications:

The 22 nanometre design offers a new window of opportunity for nanotechnology to dictate the way chips are made in the future. With Ivy Bridge, per square surface area will have more transistors and efficient ones at that. One could imagine the speed of calculations the processor could make. What's also exciting is the cost of operation. By not consuming much electricity, the processor not only radiate lesser heat, but are also cut down on electricity costs.

Very soon Intel could be pushing towards 14 nanometre and even 10 nanometre. Now this is really small. Smaller than the width of the human hair! Which is about 60,000 nanometre wide.

Quotes:

Semiconductor industry analyst Dan Hutcheson from VLSI research says

It leaves them in a very powerful position. This is going to make their Atom line a lot more competitive with ARM.