Posts Tagged ‘transistors’

1999 – AMD releases the AMD K6-III Processor in speeds of 400 and 450 MHz. It would feature a 64KB Level 1 cache and a 256KB Level 2 cache. The 3DNow! graphics instructions would be supported, along with Direct X 6.0. There were 21.3 million transistors on the 0.25 micron process wafer.

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Other Historical Events in Technology

• Palm introduces the Palm IIIc and Palm IIIxe
• Popcorn is introduced to the Pilgrims by Quadequina
• Gawker puts Defamer up for sale

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2001 – One problem with technology is that you hit limitations, mostly due to materials used or how small machines can make parts like transistors. For instance, today’s multi-core x-86 processors will eventually be replaced because we won’t be able to put anymore transistors on the die – It’s called “Moores Law”. Intel and AMD work hard to get around this law – which is why x86 technology has been around since the 90’s.

One thing scientists do to circumvent is to change the structure of the transistor. Well, in 2001, Intel launched the TeraHertz – a new transistor that did just that. It used several new materials, including Zirconium Dioxide – which is used to reduce leakage issues. The new transistors brought processing to a new level; High process tasks like facial recognition could be achieved. The TeraHertz also worked on a 0.6 Volts, so it vastly reduced power.

Intel expected this technology to be implemented in 2005. However, as to this date, the TeraHertz transistor has not been implemented in processors.

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Other Historical Events in Technology

• Happy Thanksgiving. (US) Nov 26, 1789 was the first observation of the holiday. It was recommended by President George Washington.
• William Shakespear publishes King Lear
• Trade name Microsoft is registered in New Mexico
• Apple settles $10 million suit with Burst.com

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