A 50 ps Cycle-Time Microprocessor: The Technological Challenges

Abstract

Straightforward extrapolation of the rapid evolution of Si technology suggests that sub-ns cycle-time microprocessors will be reported within the next five to seven years. The primary technological trend that makes this evolution possible is miniaturization; there is an intimate connection between circuit speeds and miniaturization, and high levels of integration. Miniaturization is a key to circuit speed because small size leads to high speed through the reduction of distances and capacitances. Miniaturization means making everything smaller; connections, capacitances, insulation, and anything else on a chip must feel the impact of miniaturization. © 1993 Optical Society of America