Gordon Moore

Definition

Gordon Moore is a co-founder of Intel Corporation and is best known for formulating Moore's Law, which predicts that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, leading to increased performance and decreased cost. This principle has profoundly influenced the evolution of computer architecture, driving the rapid advancement of technology in the computing industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gordon Moore made his famous prediction in 1965, which has held true for several decades and continues to influence technological growth.
2. As a result of Moore's Law, the cost of computing has significantly decreased, making technology more accessible to consumers and businesses alike.
3. The doubling of transistors has enabled advancements in processor speeds and capabilities, leading to the development of powerful microprocessors used in everything from personal computers to smartphones.
4. Moore’s insight into transistor scaling has driven innovation not only in hardware design but also in software development, as more powerful processors allow for complex applications and systems.
5. Despite predictions that Moore's Law may eventually plateau, ongoing research and development efforts continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in computer architecture.

Review Questions

• How did Gordon Moore's prediction influence the design and development of computer architecture over time?
  • Gordon Moore's prediction about the doubling of transistors on microchips has greatly influenced computer architecture by driving engineers and designers to innovate continuously. This expectation has led to rapid advancements in processing power, enabling the development of faster and more efficient processors. As a result, computer systems have evolved to support more complex applications, improved multitasking, and greater overall performance.
• In what ways does Moore's Law continue to impact industries beyond computing, considering its implications for hardware design?
  • Moore's Law impacts various industries by driving the trend toward miniaturization and increased performance in electronic devices. Industries such as telecommunications, automotive (with smart technologies), and healthcare (like medical imaging) have benefited from smaller, more powerful chips that allow for advanced functionalities. The expectation that chip performance will improve consistently drives companies to innovate continuously and stay competitive across multiple sectors.
• Evaluate the potential future implications of reaching the limits of Moore's Law on technological advancement and computer architecture.
  • As we approach the physical limits of Moore's Law, future technological advancements may shift focus from traditional transistor scaling to alternative methods like quantum computing or neuromorphic architectures. This shift could redefine how we think about processing power, leading to new paradigms in computing that emphasize energy efficiency and computational efficiency over sheer speed. The evolution beyond Moore's Law may also spur new innovation cycles and drive research into novel materials and architectures that can sustain continued growth in computing capabilities.

Related terms

Moore's Law: The observation that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years, leading to the exponential increase in computing power.

Transistor: A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power, crucial for the operation of modern computers.

Integrated Circuit: A set of electronic circuits on a small chip made of semiconductor material, enabling the miniaturization of electronic components and increased functionality.