The Impacts of Process Technology Changes on Computer Architecture

Prologue. With the advent and progression of process technologies, Computer architects have taken a magical and wondrous ride in enjoying ever larger array of choices in advancing computer performance. Following the almost mystical Moore's law, computer architects have enjoyed the benefit of ever faster transistors that can be packed closer and closer together. They have come to expect that every few years, he/she will be able to utilize many more transistors that is several times faster compared to the current design. However, this also means that in designing and architecting for the future, a computer architect needs some basic understanding of the physics of VLSI design, and understanding of some of the fundamental problems in the advancement of process technologies. With this paper, this author will attempt to discuss some of the problems facing the advancement of process technologies, and what these problems mean to the computer architect of the future.