User:Braedensb/Processor (computing)
In computing, a processor or processing unit is a digital circuit which performs operations on some external data source, usually memory or some other data stream.[1] It typically takes the form of a microprocessor, which can be implemented on a single metal–oxide–semiconductor integrated circuit chip; in the past, processors were constructed using multiple individual vacuum tubes, multiple individual transistors, or multiple integrated circuits.
The term is frequently used to refer to the central processing unit in a system.[2] However, it can also refer to other co-processors.[3]
Traditional processors are typically based on silicon, however, researchers have developed experimental processors based on alternative materials such as carbon nanotubes[4], graphene[5], and alloys made of elements from groups three and five of the periodic table[6]. Further, transistors made out of a single sheet of silicon atoms one atom tall and other 2D materials have been researched for use in processors[7].
Moore's Law
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The progress of processors has followed Moore's law closer, the theory that the number of transistors in processors will double every two years.
Photonic Processors
[edit]Photonic processors are based on using light to make computations instead of semiconducting electronics[8]. Processing is done by photodetectors sensing light produced by lasers inside the processor.
- ^ "Oxford English Dictionary". Lexico. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- ^ "Oxford English Dictionary". Lexico. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- ^ Sakdhnagool, Putt (4 September 2018). "Comparative analysis of coprocessors". Concurrency and Computation Practice and Experience. 31 (1) – via Wiley Online Library.
- ^ Hills, Gage; Lau, Christian; Wright, Andrew; Fuller, Samuel; Bishop, Mindy D.; Srimani, Tathagata; Kanhaiya, Pritpal; Ho, Rebecca; Amer, Aya; Stein, Yosi; Murphy, Denis (2019-08-29). "Modern microprocessor built from complementary carbon nanotube transistors". Nature. 572 (7771): 595–602. doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1493-8. ISSN 0028-0836.
- ^ Akinwande, Deji; Huyghebaert, Cedric; Wang, Ching-Hua; Serna, Martha I.; Goossens, Stijn; Li, Lain-Jong; Wong, H.-S. Philip; Koppens, Frank H. L. (2019-09-26). "Graphene and two-dimensional materials for silicon technology". Nature. 573 (7775): 507–518. doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1573-9. ISSN 0028-0836.
- ^ Riel, Heike; Wernersson, Lars-Erik; Hong, Minghwei; del Alamo, Jesús A. (2014-08). "III–V compound semiconductor transistors—from planar to nanowire structures". MRS Bulletin. 39 (8): 668–677. doi:10.1557/mrs.2014.137. ISSN 0883-7694.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Li, Ming-Yang; Su, Sheng-Kai; Wong, H.-S. Philip; Li, Lain-Jong (2019-03). "How 2D semiconductors could extend Moore's law". Nature. 567 (7747): 169–170. doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00793-8. ISSN 0028-0836.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Sun, Chen; Wade, Mark T.; Lee, Yunsup; Orcutt, Jason S.; Alloatti, Luca; Georgas, Michael S.; Waterman, Andrew S.; Shainline, Jeffrey M.; Avizienis, Rimas R.; Lin, Sen; Moss, Benjamin R. (2015-12). "Single-chip microprocessor that communicates directly using light". Nature. 528 (7583): 534–538. doi:10.1038/nature16454. ISSN 0028-0836.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)