A nanocomputer architecture integrates the following
major systems: input
-
output, memory, arithmetic and
logic, and control units.
The
input unit accepts information
from electronic devices or other computers through the
cards (electromechanical devices, such
as
keyboards, can
he also interfaced). The information received can be stored
in
the memory, and then, manipulated and processed by
the
arithmetic and logic unit
(ALU).
The results
are
output
using the output unit. Information flow, propagation,
manipulation, processing, and storage
are
coordinated by
the
control
unit.
The
arithmetic and logic unit, integrated
with control unit, is called the processor
or
central
processing unit (CPU). Input and output systems are called
the input-output unit
(U0
unit). The memory unit, which
integrates memory systems, stores programs and data.
There
are two main classes of memory calledprimary
(main) and secondary memory. In nanocomputers, the
primary memory is implemented using nanoICs that can
consist of billions of nanoscale storage cells (each cell can
store one bit of information).
These
cells are accessed in
groups
of
fixed size called words.
The
main memory is
organized such that the contents of one word can be stored
or rehieved in one hasic operation called
a
memory cycle.
To provide
a
consistent direct access to any word in the
main memory in the shortest time,
a
distinct address
number is associated with each word location.
NanoICs can he effectively used to implement the
additional memory systems to store programs and
data
forming secondary memory.
The execution
of
most operations is performed by the
ALU. In the ALU,
the
logic nanogates and nanoregisters
used
to
perform the hasic operations (addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division) of numeric operands, and
the
comparison, shifting, and alignment operations
of
general
forms of numeric and nonnumeric data. The processors
contain a number of high-speed registers. which are used
for temporruy storage of operands. Register,
as
a storage
device for words, is
a
key sequential component, and
registers are connected. Each register contains one word of
data and its access time at least
10
times faster than the
main memory access time. A register-level system
consists of
a
set
of
registers connected by combinational
data-processing and data-processing nanoICs.
Figure
2
illustrates the possible nanocomputer
organization, and, in general, three-dimensional
nanocomuputer architectronics must he examined using
the major units reported.
Figure
2.
Nanocomputer organization
IV.
NANOCOMPUTERS
AND
NANOICS
PERFORMANCE
Current computers constantly irreversibly
erase
temporary results, and thus, the entropy changes. The
average instruction execution speed (in millions of
instructions executed per second
Ips)
and cycles
per
instruction
are
related to
the
time required to execute
instructions
as
given by
Ti*s,=lK.lnck,
where the clock frequencyf,,oct depends mainly on the
ICs
or
nanoICs used and the fabrication technologies applied.
Tbe
quantum mechanics implies an upper limit
on
the
frequency at which the system can switch from one state
to another. This limit is found as the difference between
the total energy
E
of
the
system and ground state energy
EO,
e.g.,
4
h
f,
2
-(E
-Eo),
..
where
h
is the Planck constant,
h=6.626~10"~
J-sec
or
J/HZ.
An
isolated nanodevice, consisting of
a
single
electron at
a
potential of
IV
above its ground state,
contains
1
eV
of energy
(leV=1.602~10-~~
J)
and,
therefore, cannot change its state
faster
than
f,
<-@-E
4
)-
1.602~10-'~
=IXIO'~
Hz.
h
U
-6.626~10~"
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