To begin with, it is necessary to explain that the technical process means the size of transistors, the main design element of processors. These transistors can both conduct and block electric current, which allows the circuits to work in two states – on and off, that is, in the familiar binary system (0 and 1). The basis of CPU performance lies in transistors: the smaller their size, the more they can be placed in the same area of ​​the chip. In addition, the smaller the size of the transistor, the less energy is required for its operation and therefore less energy is required for the entire processor, which has a positive effect on the energy efficiency of the terminal device. Also note that the nanometer (nm) is 10.^-9 A meter, which is one billionth of a meter.

0.7 nanometers: when to wait

• Such processors, of course, will not appear tomorrow, or even next year. The Intercollegiate Center for Microelectronics, an international research organization working in the field of nanoelectronics and digital technologies, has published a plan for the field of microelectronics for the next 15 years. It covers the feasibility study and design strategy for next-generation chips.
• If the IT industry accepts the center’s proposal, all leading companies will have a step-by-step plan to build chips by 2036.
• At the same time already In 2030, IMEC plans to create the first processor smaller than one nanometer, 0.7 nm.
• It will be far more productive and energy efficient than any existing advanced solution and will be essential in the creation of fully unmanned vehicles, the development of artificial intelligence and the design of next-generation devices.

The center wants to standardize progress in chip design. If manufacturers adopt the new rules, the development and assembly of chips will be greatly simplified for all participants in the supply chain, including end device manufacturers.

IMEC announced that in recent years, the development and production of chips has been actively growing in price and complexity. Therefore, such a “road map” is primarily needed by the enterprises themselves. In his presentation, the Center proposed the development of semiconductors in accordance with Moore’s Law, which stipulates that the number of transistors in the circuit should double every two years, but with minor adjustments.

The whitepaper details each stage of development, including companies to be included and approximate implementation dates.