Distribution of Processing Power

Breadcrumbs: The Future of Ubiquitous Computing --> Driving Forces: Technological Forces --> Distribution of Processing Power

Description

The microprocessor is one of the core component in a digital computer that interprets computer program instructions to processes data.

The evolution of microprocessors has been known to follow Moore's Law when it comes to steadily increasing performance over the years. This law suggests that the complexity of an integrated circuit, with respect to minimum component cost, doubles every 24 months. This dictum has generally proven true since the early 1970s. From their humble beginnings as the drivers for calculators, the continued increase in power has led to the dominance of microprocessors over every other form of computer; every system from the largest mainframes to the smallest hand held computers now uses a microprocessor at its core.

Both the miniaturization and standardization of the microprocessors have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. Further development into embedded chips and non-general purpose processors have allowed for the appearance of the microprocessor in everything from automobiles to cell phones to children's toys. The microprocessor hence plays a central role in the development of ubicomputing.

Enablers

• Miniaturization
• Moore's Law
• Grip Computing
• Multi-Core Computing
• Cell processor
• Embedded Systems

Inhibitor

• Heat
• Energy

Experts

• Intel

Timing

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Moore_Law_diagram_(2004).jpg