28-06-2012, 11:00 AM
IBM Intros “Chip Morphing Technology”
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The patented technology, called “eFUSE”, combines unique software algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses to produce chips that can regulate and adapt their own actions in response to changing conditions and system demands. By dynamically sensing that a chip needs a “tune-up”, eFUSE can alter the configuration and efficiency of circuitry to enhance performance or avoid a potential problem. This autonomic capability is expected to change the way chips are designed, manufactured and integrated into computers, cell phones, consumer electronics and other products.
“eFUSE reroutes chip logic, much the way highway traffic patterns can be altered by opening and closing new lanes,” said Dr. Bernard Meyerson, IBM Fellow, vice president and chief technologist, IBM Systems and Technology Group.
eFUSE is part of a built-in self-repair system that constantly monitors a chip’s functionality. If an imperfection is detected, this innovative technology “instinctively” initiates corrective actions by tripping inexpensive, simple electrical fuses that are designed into the chip at no additional cost. The activated fuses help the chip control individual circuit speed to manage power consumption and repair unexpected, and potentially costly flaws. If the technology detects that the chip is malfunctioning because individual circuits are running too fast or too slow, it can “throttle down” these circuits or speed them up by controlling the appropriate local voltage.
Both versatile and adaptable, eFUSE is being implemented to support a variety of applications, such as high-performance microprocessors based on IBM's Power Architecture, including Power5 and other chips used in IBM eServer systems, as well as low-power IBM silicon germanium (SiGe) chips. eFUSE-enabled chips also are available to IBM foundry customers.
[attachment=25860]
The patented technology, called “eFUSE”, combines unique software algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses to produce chips that can regulate and adapt their own actions in response to changing conditions and system demands. By dynamically sensing that a chip needs a “tune-up”, eFUSE can alter the configuration and efficiency of circuitry to enhance performance or avoid a potential problem. This autonomic capability is expected to change the way chips are designed, manufactured and integrated into computers, cell phones, consumer electronics and other products.
“eFUSE reroutes chip logic, much the way highway traffic patterns can be altered by opening and closing new lanes,” said Dr. Bernard Meyerson, IBM Fellow, vice president and chief technologist, IBM Systems and Technology Group.
eFUSE is part of a built-in self-repair system that constantly monitors a chip’s functionality. If an imperfection is detected, this innovative technology “instinctively” initiates corrective actions by tripping inexpensive, simple electrical fuses that are designed into the chip at no additional cost. The activated fuses help the chip control individual circuit speed to manage power consumption and repair unexpected, and potentially costly flaws. If the technology detects that the chip is malfunctioning because individual circuits are running too fast or too slow, it can “throttle down” these circuits or speed them up by controlling the appropriate local voltage.
Both versatile and adaptable, eFUSE is being implemented to support a variety of applications, such as high-performance microprocessors based on IBM's Power Architecture, including Power5 and other chips used in IBM eServer systems, as well as low-power IBM silicon germanium (SiGe) chips. eFUSE-enabled chips also are available to IBM foundry customers.