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The Machine. A new computer architecture from HP
experiment with a memristor HP i>
, HP expects to revolutionize information technology market. Project called The Machine i> - is an attempt to develop a new computer architecture, the new operating system and a new type of RAM memristor, who are deprived of the limitations of current DRAM and flash memory and involve extremely high data rates.
On an ambitious project employs 75% of the personnel HP Labs, пишет BusinessWeek.
The company claims that will launch the new technology over the next few years. At stake is the reputation of HP, too many resources invested in this project. "We think that we have no choice," - said Martin Fink (Martin Fink), Chief Technology Officer, HP Labs, which announced ambitious plans for HP yesterday's conference.
A few decades ago to develop from scratch a new computer architecture was not something special. This was done by Intel, IBM and the same Hewlett-Packard. Development of each such project opens a potential new market, and developers skimmed the cream. HP Labs now wants to repeat the same thing.
The Machine project began two years ago when Fink was appointed Chief Technology Officer HP Labs. Architecture involves the use of memristor as RAM cells. Memristor - a passive element in microelectronics, capable of changing its resistance depending on protekayushego through charge (in its present form it is made of tantalum oxide). Theoretically, it may replace transistors in microelectronics must be more capacious and faster than modern flash memory and DRAM. Memristor "remembers" the passing charge, so that retains information even when the power is off. This will make a more compact architecture of the PC, abandoning of obsolete components. Information on the memristor memory density exceeds the existing technologies so that, according to HP Labs, the amount of data a modern data center can accommodate multiple server racks!
In addition to the memristor, the project involves the use of The Machine data bus works on technology of silicon photonics, ie the laser signal is transmitted, rather than the copper-colored contacts.
Memristors used as a RAM as a data storage device and that significantly increases the rate of data exchange with the CPU.
Operating system Machine OS yet little is known. Only that it will be open source and should take maximum advantage of the new hardware. Separate development team at HP Labs is working on the creation of a Linux distribution for the same purpose, another group creates Android-version.
The Machine Project does not have a clear deadline: the developers say that the product can go out and in 2017, and at the end of the decade.
In general, not yet extinct in the IT business romantics who believe in the revolution. It seems that Martin Fink - one of them. At the same time, independent analysts with great doubt look at the experiment HP, though, and hope that it will be completed successfully.
The key presentation at HP Labs memristor from 2010 i>
Source: habrahabr.ru/post/226073/
