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→A Crash Course on Processors
= A Crash Course on Processors =
A central processing unit (CPU) is a piece of hardware that is responsible for allowing your computer to interact with the applications and programs installed on it. The amount of cores within a processor determines how much information can be transmitted at a time and as well as how quickly that information can be transmitted. A processor core are individual units within a CPU. Each core is responsible for its own individual tasks requested by the user. Clock speed is the unit of measurement that determines the duration it takes for a CPU to retrieve and interpret instructions. The unit of measurement for clock speed is gigahertz (GHz). The higher the gigahertz, the faster the clock speed. A modern processor can handle upto a trillion calculations per second. Most computers sold today either come equipped with either an Intel, AMD or Apple processors. While CPU’s handle the inputs and outputs of applications within a computer, a GPU processor is designed to handle graphical outputs on your monitor. Both CPU and GPU are the main components that make up a computer.
This microprocessor had only 2,300 transistors. A bit is a unit of data, it has a value of either 0 or 1 and it is the smallest unit of data in a computer.
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Next, once the desired temperatures are reached, a silicon seed crystal is inserted within the compound. Once the seed is in place, it begins to grow. As the seed grows exponentially it is also extracted simultaneously from the melt as an ingot. At this stage, many factors come to play to ensure sufficient electrical properties of the silicon such as concentration, temperature and speed of the melt. Once around 6 inches of ingot is extracted, it is cut to the proper diameter.
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They are then polished to produce a flat, mirror like surface. Lastly, the compound is inspected and heated if needed to remove any defects.
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Transistors are made from a complex chemical formula and step process that involves diffusing acceptor atoms (Boron) in silicon dioxide. These transistors are used in the microprocessors and memory.
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Nowadays, most of the process is automated under strict supervision of the technicians. The labs must be kept extremely clean as one spec of dust can ruin the entire chip. It may take up to three full months to completely create and test a processor.