1.1 Moore's law: A path going forward

Abstract

Semiconductors continue to be the foundation for computing and communications solutions, the basis of the Internet of Everthing, and the primary driver in the future of electronics applications. Moore's Law has led to evermore-powerful smart phones, tablets, personal computers, and data centers. It has enabled computing to become a seamless and powerful force in our homes, offices, cars, factories, and much more. Much has been written about the end of Moore's Law. More recently, speculation has focused on the economic end of Moore's Law. Gordon Moore initially projected 10 years of visibility. [35] Over fifty years later, the Moore's Law horizon remains around 10 years. Moore's Law was never guaranteed. It has thrived and will continue to do so as the result of continuous innovation, rigorous planning, and technology execution. Even though it is getting more expensive to build wafers, improvements in density can provide real cost reduction at the most fundamental level, and this economic benefit drives the ability to continue investing in Moore's Law. Innovations have driven Moore's Law through numerous technological transitions and will continue to power us into the future of CMOS and beyond. As long as there is a cost benefit and rich options for future innovations there is no reason to predict an early end!