Moore's Law

Moore's Law, enunciated by Gordon Moore in 1965, notes that the number of transistors that can be placed in an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years.  

This translates into a exponential increase in power and a decrease in the cost per transistor.

In other words, this law has been the basis for the development of computer technology over the past decades, driving the creation of smaller, faster and cheaper equipment.

Why is it important?

Some of the main benefits of Moore's Law are:

• More powerful equipment: Computers with more processing power have enabled the development of more complex software, such as operating systems, graphic design programs and games.
• Smaller and more portable electronic devices: The miniaturisation of transistors has enabled the creation of smaller and more portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
• Increased access to information: Moore's Law has made devices more accessible and affordable, allowing more people to have access to information and technology. So much so, in fact, that today we talk about information society.
• New technological developments: Moore's Law has driven the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and virtual reality.

History of Moore's Law

Moore's Law was based on Moore's observation that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubled every year. This observation was based on his experience as an engineer at Fairchild Semiconductor and later at Intel.

As technology advanced, Moore adjusted his prediction, extending the doubling period to two years. Despite this adjustment, Moore's Law has remained an accurate prediction of processing power growth for more than 50 years.

Effects of Moore's Law on technological development

Moore's Law has had a profound impact on technological development in recent decades. Some of the most notable effects are:

• The rise of the personal computer industry: made it possible to create affordable and powerful personal computers.
• The development of the Internet: made it possible to create the necessary infrastructure for the Internet, including routers, switches and servers.
• The rise of mobile technologies: made smartphones and other mobile devices possible.

Moore's Law Update

In recent years, there has been some uncertainty as to whether Moore's Law will remain in force. This is because of the approaching physical limits of transistor miniaturisation.  

However, researchers are working on new technologies that could allow Moore's Law to continue for a few more years.

In the long term, Moore's Law is likely to come to an end. However, the legacy of Moore's Law will be felt for many years to come.  

Examples of Moore's Law

• The number transistor count on an Intel Pentium 4 chip was 42 million in 2000. In 2020, the number of transistors on an Intel Core i9-10900K chip was 10.7 billion.
• The price cost of a transistor has steadily decreased since the 1960s. In 1965, a transistor cost $100. In 2020, a transistor cost less than a penny.
• The size of a transistor has been steadily shrinking since the 1960s. In 1965, a transistor was the size of a pinhead. In 2020, a transistor was smaller than a molecule.

Although its future and scope are debated, the historical impact of Moore's Law has been undeniable and has left a legacy that will continue to influence future technological advances.