Assume that a switching component such as a transistor can switch in zero time. We propose to construct a disk-shaped computer chip with such a component. The only limitation is the time it takes to send electronic signals from one edge of the chip to the other. Make the simplifying assumption that electronic signals can travel at 300,000 kilometers per second. What is the limitation on the diameter of a round chip so that any computation result can by used anywhere on the chip at a clock rate of 1 GHz? What are the diameter restrictions if the whole chip should operate at 1 THz = 1012 Hz? Is such a chip feasible?

Systems Architecture
7th Edition
ISBN:9781305080195
Author:Stephen D. Burd
Publisher:Stephen D. Burd
Chapter4: Processor Technology And Architecture
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 2PE: If a microprocessor has a cycle time of 0.5 nanoseconds, what’s the processor clock rate? If the...
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question

Assume that a switching component such as a transistor can switch in zero time. We propose to construct a disk-shaped computer chip with such a component. The only limitation is the time it takes to send electronic signals from one edge of the chip to the other. Make the simplifying assumption that electronic signals can travel at 300,000 kilometers per second. What is the limitation on the diameter of a round chip so that any computation result can by used anywhere on the chip at a clock rate of 1 GHz? What are the diameter restrictions if the whole chip should operate at 1 THz = 1012 Hz? Is such a chip feasible? 

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Instruction Format
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, computer-science and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Systems Architecture
Systems Architecture
Computer Science
ISBN:
9781305080195
Author:
Stephen D. Burd
Publisher:
Cengage Learning