TED Tech Have we reached the limit of computer power? | Sajan Saini and George Zaidan
Apr 4, 2025
The podcast delves into the ramifications of Moore's Law and the challenges facing microchip technology today. It scrutinizes the physical limits of transistor size and the increasing heat generation that threaten advancement. Environmental concerns and manufacturing costs are highlighted as major hurdles. The discussion also touches on the Building Chips in America Act of 2023, exploring the clash between semiconductor production and sustainability efforts. Tune in for insights into the future of computing and the quest for greener innovations.
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Moore's Law Impact
- Moore's Law, coined by Gordon Moore, predicts the doubling of transistors on a chip every 1-2 years.
- This trend has driven smaller, faster, cheaper, and more efficient chips for six decades.
Challenges to Moore's Law
- Transistor size, heat generation, and environmental impact challenge Moore's Law.
- Quantum physics interferes with transistors below 20 nanometers, and heat impairs chip performance.
Environmental and Cost Concerns
- Solutions like using ruthenium or specialized UV light come with environmental and cost issues.
- These contribute to the increasing expense of chip manufacturing, known as Moore's Second Law.