Intel’s Breakthrough: 3D Transistors

Written by GdroiD Saturday, 02 July 2011 01:22

The hot news blows with the wind to public’s ears is Intel’s breakthrough of developing microprocessor which is predicted to become the world’s first 3D transistor. Intel stated that this 3D transistor will carry on the stable delivery of computing products which seems to be more powerful, less expensive and much smaller.

Besides the breathtaking 3D transistor, the company has delivered brief description of a 22-nanometer node microprocessor entitled Ivy Bridge. It is claimed to become the first high-volume chip that integrates Tri-Gate. Intel is going to keep surprising the world with their jaw-dropping inventions.

The process conducted by Intel to work on 3D transistor is by reinventing the transistor structure by making use a thin 3-dimensional silicon fin which rises up in vertical direction from the silicon substrate. Then, the current will be controlled by gates on every part of the three sides of the fin.

The gates have responsibility for the power expected to produce as well as the performance advances using the new chip. The gates’ duty is to keep the current flowing as strongly as possible in active mode and as little as possible when off.

With the emergence of 3D transistors, it is feared that the small size the transistors possess will bring trouble in conducting the current. However, the design of this 3D transistor has somehow been rotated, which means the transistor stands up vertically, not lying flat. With this new position, the transistor is able to conduct the current effectively. This way, Intel has chances to double the number of transistors on a single chip.

The company explains that this 22nm 3D Tri-Gate transistor give more than a 37% performance increase at low voltage. Also, the transistor takes less than half the power at the same performance level compared to 2D planar transistors on 32nm chips.

By inventing and developing 3D transistor, Intel will be a big player in the competitive battle in power-sensitive applications and devices that include smartphones and more devices. As you may have known, Intel didn’t meet its fortune yet, especially in phone market.

The breakthrough of Intel’s 3D transistor has brought about positive influence towards the company since it has moved one step ahead from other semiconductor manufacturers. However, there will surely be a possibility for other manufacturers to conduct the parallel enhancement. With Intel make improvisation on its products, it can be predicted that in the future, maybe few years later, many semiconductor makers will flood the market with their version of 3D transistors.