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System Integration Leads to MegaFunction Gadgets
nanotrends writes "The IEEE Spectrum is running a piece entitled 'Moore's Law Meets Its Match', about the system-on-package (SOP) approach to technology. The (SOP) approach combines Integrated Circuits (ICs) with micrometer-scale thin-film versions of discrete components, and it embeds everything in a new type of package so small that eventually handhelds will become anything from multi-to megafunction devices. This integration is actually developing at a rate faster than Moore's law." From the article: "SOP technology represents a radically different approach to systems. It shrinks bulky circuit boards with their many components and makes them nearly disappear. In effect, SOP sets up a new law for system integration. It holds that as the components shrink and the boards all but disappear, the component density will double every year or so, and the number of system functions in an SOP package will increase in the same proportion."
So what I'm to gather is that a new technology advances at rates different from ones set forth in arbitrary "laws" relating to different technologies?
AMAZING
Nothing says "megafunction gadget" like a monochrome Palm, a nut, and an old motherboard.
Is this the next installment in the MacGyver Challenge?
I want to drag this out as long as possible. Bring me my protractor.
A worthy successor to "IP protocol" or "ATM machine".
Wake me when they make a display that doubles as a scanner, and redoubles as a full-spectrum smart antenna. An FPGA CPU that reconfigures per active process. And a fuelcell I can sip with a chaser.
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make install -not war
30 comments, all about how this technology is worthless and how what we have right now is just fine.
I for one would enjoy a fun-size pc, cellphones the size of a hearing aid, a pda wristwatch and tiny headmounted displays I fit in the corner of my glasses. The rest of you can continue to enjoy your breadbox-sized pcs and your feelings of self-righteousness.
there is no need to sign your posts. this isn't usenet. your username is right there above your post. stop it.
Sometime in 2013...
"Hon? Yeah, me here. Hospital waiting room actually. I think I really screwed up the instructions with that new cell phone. Well, Janie tried to call her friend Jennifer, and the toaster exploded in Sean's face. I tried to call 911 and had to sit through Eyes Wide Shut 2, then listen to Basil Poledouris ring tones for ten minutes and answer three web surveys. The doctors think they can reattach most of Sean's scalp and one of his eyes. Janie is fine though. She grabbed the phone, screamed 'nervouse breakdown voice command' into it and it tranquilized her. Do you know if it can make Shirley Temples? Hello? Oh, I'm sorry... I thought you were my husband... International Space Station you say? Could you connect me with 555-"
If my grammar and spelling are off, I am [distracted/tired/careless] (take your pick)
I dunno, Pentium 4s use alot of juice.
The 'Net is a waste of time, and that's exactly what's right about it. - William Gibson
They forgot to mention that it also doubles as a soldering iron.
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Terrorists can destroy our trains and buildings, but they can't destroy our rights and our freedom. Only we and our lawmakers can destroy that.
Terrorists can't threaten a country's freedom and democracy. Only lawmakers and voters can do that.