18-01-2013, 12:39 PM
IBM Introduces Chip Morphing Technology: Self-Managing Semiconductors System
[attachment=47498]
ABSTRACT
IBM today revealed a breakthrough chip morphing technology, enabling a new class of semiconductor
products that can monitor and adjust their functions to improve their quality, performance and power
consumption without human intervention.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. "Our work with innovative technologies like eFUSE is a result of IBM's
commitment to investing in fundamental research and development, as well as to creating an environment
that values and stimulates innovation."
eFUSE Enables Better Chips
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.
The morphing technology also will optimize and tailor the performance and capabilities of a chip to meet
an individual customer's product needs in response to changing end-user or software demand. Customers
further benefit from the versatility of eFUSE as the morphing can be repeated several times -- even after the
chip has been packaged and shipped in a product
[attachment=47498]
ABSTRACT
IBM today revealed a breakthrough chip morphing technology, enabling a new class of semiconductor
products that can monitor and adjust their functions to improve their quality, performance and power
consumption without human intervention.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. "Our work with innovative technologies like eFUSE is a result of IBM's
commitment to investing in fundamental research and development, as well as to creating an environment
that values and stimulates innovation."
eFUSE Enables Better Chips
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.
The morphing technology also will optimize and tailor the performance and capabilities of a chip to meet
an individual customer's product needs in response to changing end-user or software demand. Customers
further benefit from the versatility of eFUSE as the morphing can be repeated several times -- even after the
chip has been packaged and shipped in a product