Speedy silicon sets world record

[neb1211]

A simple tweak to the way common silicon transistors are made could allow faster, cheaper mobile phones and digital cameras, say UK researchers.

When the researchers tested the new device it clocked a speed of 110 GHz.

Complete circuits usually operate at about a tenth of the speed of the component transistors meaning the new devices could allow engineers to build chips that operate at a speed of about 11GHz.

The previous world record, held by electronic giant Philips, created transistors that operate at speeds of up to 70GHz, allowing operating circuit speeds of 7GHz.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5259594.stm