45 nm Fun Facts..

I was thinking of taking a breather away from processor technology, therefore I plan to start on the transistor materials at the next post. I have posted much information on this blog and figured that it is best to take a short break. I believe that receiving too much knowledge at once can backfire as the chances of forgetting are higher. =)

Anyway, I came across some interesting facts and figures from the Intel website about the new 45 nanometer transistors, so I thought of sharing it with everyone. You might be surprised by some of the statements... Here it goes:

1. The original transistors built in 1947 could be held in your hand while hundreds of the 45 nm transistor can fit on the SURFACE of a single red blood cell. (That makes it micro micro small)
2. The price of a transistor in next generation processors are around 1 millionth the average price of a transistor in 1968. If car prices fell at the same rate, a car today would worth 1 cent!
3. 45 nm transistors switch on and off approx. 300 Billion times a second. Light travels less than a 10th of an inch during the time it takes a transistor to switch on and off (Extreme fast)
4. Bacteria is 45 times larger than a 45 nm transistor.

For more interesting facts you can download the pdf document from Intel at this hyperlink http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/45nm/Intel%2045nm%20Fun%20Facts_FINAL.pdf

Be prepared for the next post about transistor materials. It is slightly complicated, and might require you to have some Chemistry and Physics knowledge to fully understand the topic.