assignmnet

1. KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
KUMASI
FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
CSM553 SOFTWARE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
“Using Moore’s Law to Research into Tri-gate Transistor and Silicon Nanotechnology to
Predict Future of Systems.”
BY
(GROUP B)
Naavro Robb Wewiase Sapio (PG5141920)
Ebenezer Eghan (PG5143320)
Maame Esi Aidoo (PG5144220)
Kwasi Antwi Danso (PG5144020)
Ruth Ama Mansa Larbey (PG5144720)
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS OF CSM553 – SOFTWARE DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
LECTURER
DR ASAMOAH
MARCH 02, 2021

2. Content Page
1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................3
2.0 What is a Transistor and Its Function?..........................................................................3
3.0 The Structure of Transistors…………………………………………...………….......3
3.1 Advantages of Transistors……………………………………..……...…....................4
4.0 Nanotechnology………………………………………………………………………4
5.0 Why the reinvention of transistors - Tri-gate (3D) transistors…………….………….4
5.1 What is Tri-gate?…………………………………………………………………......5
5.2 The Need for Tri-gate Transistors……………………………………………………6
5.3 Characteristics of Tri-gate Transistors……………………………………………….7
6.0 What Is Moore's Law?……………………………………………………………….7
6.1 Is Moore’s Law Sustainable ………………………………………………………...8
7.0 Graphene Likely to Replace Silicon …………………………………..…………….8
8.0 CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………………..9
REFERENCE ………………………………………………………………………………10

3. 1.0 Introduction
In 1965, George Moore suggested that roughly every two years, the number of transistors on
microchips will double. Commonly referred to as Moore’s Law, this phenomenon suggests that
computational progress will become considerably faster, smaller, and more efficient over time.
Widely regarded as one of the hallmark theories of the 21st century, Moore’s Law carries
significant implications for the future of technological progress accompanied by its possible
limitations (C. Tardi 2021).
2.0 What is a transistor and its function?
Transistors are electronic components found in digital systems and devices which mainly
serves as signal switches and/or amplifiers. Transistors were invented to replace vacuum tubes
in the second generation of computers. Transistors are semi-conductor based (i.e. germanium
and gold were initially used but presently germanium and silicon are used due to its temperature
resistance). The invention of transistors saw a major boost since they were of smaller size,
reduced voltage consumption which eventually reduced heat produced.
3.0 The structure of a transistor
Transistors consist of three layers of semi-conductors (i.e. two junctions with one output) as
shown in the figure below

4. 3.1 Advantages of transistors in digital systems
1. Reduced sizes
2. Less voltage consumption
3. Relatively less heat is generated
4.0 Nanotechnology
With mobile device becoming smaller and lighter and the growing users’ requirements, the
evolution of advanced logic technology node have ranged from 22 nm in the year 2012 and
target for 2013 was be 14 nm (2). With feature sizes below 100 nm, silicon technology has
entered the realm of nanotechnology and this will yield to the increasing number of transistors
in devices and this in effect will directly influence the size and weight of these devices in which
they are embedded.
5.0 Why The Reinvention of Transistors –Tri-gate (3D) Transistors
2D planar transistors having been the evolutionary driving force of electronic devices, lead the
significant reduction in device sizes, increase performance, lesser heat generation still pose the
problem of current leakage. The 2D transistors have been in existence and being used for half
a century. The figure 5.1 below shows a 32nm transistors with the source, drain and channel
(the latter covered by the gate) all in the same plane.
Figure 5.1 2D planar transistor

5. With the Tri-Gate transistor as compared to the traditional 'flat' two-dimensional planar, the
gate is replaced with an incredibly thin three-dimensional silicon fin that rises up vertically
from the silicon substrate as shown in the figure 5.2 below. This design ensures control of
current is accomplished by implementing a gate on each of the three sides of the fin – two on
each side and one across the top. The design also vertically placing the fins which in effect
allows more transistors to be packed closer together for increase performance.
This design promises a "dramatic performance gain at low operating voltage" with reduced
current leakage. This according to Intel, translates to a 37 per cent performance increase at low
voltage versus Intel's 32nm planar transistors and under a 50 per cent power reduction with
constant performance. Basically, the new transistors consume less than half the power when at
the same performance as 2D planar transistors on 32nm chips.
Better control over the transistor gate enables as much transistor current flowing as possible
when the transistor is in the 'on' state for performance, and as close to zero as possible when it
is in the 'off' state to reduce power. The new transistors will also have better ability to be turned
on and off to save power when they're not needed.
5.1 What Is Tri-Gate?
The Tri-Gate transistor is a 3D transistor first invented by Intel research scientists in 2002. The
Tri-Gate transistor is so named as the gate has three sides. The traditional 'flat' two-dimensional
planar gate is replaced with an incredibly thin three-dimensional silicon fin that rises up
vertically from the silicon substrate.
Control of current is accomplished by implementing a gate on each of the three sides of the fin
– two on each side and one across the top - rather than just one on top, as is the case with the
2D planar transistor. And since these fins are vertical, transistors can be packed closer together.
The Tri-Gate design is considered 3D because the gate wraps around a raised source-to-drain

6. channel, called a "fin," instead of residing on top of the channel in the traditional 2D planar
design. In addition, multiple fins are used, which provide greater control of each state.

7. 5.2 The Need for Tri-Gate Transistors
Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in 1965 stated that the number of transistors in a given area
would double every two years, with increased functionality and reduced cost. For this to be a
continuous reality, Intel says its scientists have long recognised the benefits of a 3D structure
for sustaining the pace of Moore's Law as device dimensions become so small that physical
laws become barriers to advancement.
"For years we have seen limits to how small transistors can get," said Moore of Intel's latest
innovation. "This change in the basic structure is a truly revolutionary approach, and one that
should allow Moore's Law, and the historic pace of innovation, to continue." (3)
Intel says there's a "dramatic performance gain at low operating voltage" (3) measured it at 37
percent performance increase at low voltage. Basically, the new transistors consume less than
half the power when at the same performance as 2D planar transistors on 32nm chips.
5.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF TRI-GATE TRANSISTORS
 Reduction in power dissipation
 Increased pathway for electrical signals
 Drives 20% more current than traditional planar transistors
 High switching speed
 High performance with reduced size
 Better control over leakage current due to 3D structure
 Dramatic performance gains at low operating voltage, better than bulk PDSOI, FDSOI
 37% performance increase at low voltage
 50% power reduction at constant performance
 Improved switching characteristics
 Higher drive current for a given transistor
 Only 2-3% cost adder

8. 6.0 What Is Moore's Law?
Moore's Law refers to Moore's perception that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles
every two years, though the cost of computers is halved. Moore's Law states that we can expect
the speed and capability of our computers to increase every couple of years, and we will pay
less for them.
Gordon Moore did not call his observation "Moore's Law," nor did he set out to create a "law."
Moore made that statement based on noticing emerging trends in chip manufacturing at Intel.
Eventually, Moore's insight became a prediction, which in turn became the golden rule known
as Moore's Law.
6.1 Is Moore's Law Sustainable?
Experts agree that computers should reach the physical limits of Moore's Law at some point in
the 2020s. The high temperatures of transistors eventually would make it impossible to create
smaller circuits. This is because cooling down the transistors takes more energy than the
amount of energy that already passes through the transistors. In a 2007 interview, Moore
himself admitted that "...the fact that materials are made of atoms is the fundamental limitation
and it's not that far away...We're pushing up against some fairly fundamental limits so one of
these days we're going to have to stop making things smaller."
7.0 Graphene Likely to Replace Silicon
Experts say to keep on producing lighter and more compact devices much research need to go
into getting alternative to silicon. The emerging element which is gaining attention is graphene
and that is due to the following properties it exhibits.
a. First ever 2D Crystalline material
b. Thinnest possible material

9. c. High mobility & conductivity at room temperature
d. Exhibits pronounced response to perpendicular electric fields
e. Low cost Higher Switching speed & less leakage current
It is projected that shrinkage of graphene processors will last around 2030 giving birth to a new
era of Quantum Computing.
8.0 CONCLUSION
Almost every facet of a high-tech society benefits from Moore's Law in action. Mobile devices,
such as smartphones and computer tablets would not work without tiny processors; neither
would video games, spreadsheets, accurate weather forecasts, and global positioning systems
(GPS). Furthermore, smaller and faster computers, advance transportation, health care,
education, and energy production and many other industries have progressed because of the
increased power of computer chips.
The vision of an endlessly empowered and interconnected future brings both challenges and
benefits. Shrinking transistors have powered advances in computing for more than half a
century, but soon engineers and scientists must find other ways to make computers more
capable. Instead of physical processes, applications and software may help improve the speed
and efficiency of computers.
Cloud computing, wireless communication, the Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum physics
all may play a role in the future of computer tech innovation. Despite the growing concerns
around privacy and security, the advantages of ever-smarter computing technology can help
keep us healthier, safer, and more productive in the long run.

10. Reference
1. Carla Tardi, Moore’s Law (2021, February 24). Retrieved March 07, 2021 from
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mooreslaw.asp
2. Jerry Wu, Yin-Lin Shen, Kitt Reinhardt, Harold Szu, Boqun Dong, A Nanotechnology
Enhancement to Moore’s Law
3. Intel Corporation. (2011, May 5). Transistors reinvented using new 3-D structure.
ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 1, 2021 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505092252.htm