Originally Posted by Mankz Brilliant, brilliant article. ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigertop1 Clearly and expertly explained. It should be made available to schools and other learning centres as an example on how science should be taught
How can I do anything but agree, my favourite article of the year.
I liked it, but it glossed over the point I was hoping it would answer, which is how do you actually build those 30 layers of interconnects between the transistors?
Loved the article. Mentioned lots of things I already knew, but summarised it in an article that I'd ALMOST show my mother, and try to make her understand.
I say almost, because I still can't get my motherdearest to understand that memorysticks can only go into one type of port on the PC.
Great article, thanks for collaberating on this one :)
Quote:
Another layer of photo resist is then added. The wafer is then exposed to a specific pattern of ultra violet light which turns sections of the photo resist soluble, in a process called photo lithography.
The pattern of light is achieved by using finely detailed masks, which act like stencils. These masks, detailed as they are, still need to be focused down to the microscopic levels that current CPUs work at. This is done by passing the masked light through a lens, which typically reduces the size of the mask's image by four times.
The above brushes on the most technically challenging and awe inspiring parts for me.
If you get the chance, it might be nice to get a bit more info on this step. Explain immersion lithography + double patterning a bit more, why the chips are sized in 'nodes' (45nm to 32nm etc), wavelength of the lightsource used, technical challenges presented in hitting the 32nm node, whats needed to hit the 22nm node etc etc etc.
Stunningly good article. I never realised how intricate a CPU is in terms of design. Sure, I knew it was difficult to make, but MY GOD, I've got a whole new level of respect for CPU designers now.
Comments 1 to 25 of 92
ReplyHow can I do anything but agree, my favourite article of the year.
Actually, have just posted a link to it on our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/CCLOnline
Educate the world, one article at a time!
I say almost, because I still can't get my motherdearest to understand that memorysticks can only go into one type of port on the PC.
You said it.
This understatement is an understatement ;)
If the sand was 100% silicon dioxide pure then probably a little over 2 times the weight of the CPU in sand
I was going to say half a sandcastle, but yeah, that sounds right :p
The above brushes on the most technically challenging and awe inspiring parts for me.
If you get the chance, it might be nice to get a bit more info on this step. Explain immersion lithography + double patterning a bit more, why the chips are sized in 'nodes' (45nm to 32nm etc), wavelength of the lightsource used, technical challenges presented in hitting the 32nm node, whats needed to hit the 22nm node etc etc etc.
-
« Previous
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
Next »
Discuss in the forums