Moore's law
Overview
Moore's law is an empirical observation and projection of a historical trend. Rather than a physical or natural law, it should be perceived as an observation and projection of a technological trend. The law has been remarkably accurate for several decades and has been a guiding principle for many aspects of the digital revolution including: semiconductor design, microprocessor performance, memory capacity, sensors and even the number and size of pixels in digital cameras.
History
The term "Moore's Law" was coined around 1970 by the Caltech physicist, Carver Mead, in reference to a statement made by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and Fairchild Semiconductor. In a 1965 paper, Moore observed that the number of transistors on a chip doubled approximately every two years. He projected this rate of growth would continue for at least another decade.
The Law
Moore's law states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, though the cost of computers is halved. This law has driven constant improvements in digital technology, with computers becoming faster, smaller, and cheaper. This has enabled the proliferation of technology in modern society, from personal computers to smartphones to the Internet of Things.
Implications of Moore's Law
The implications of Moore's Law are far-reaching and have had profound effects on all aspects of society and culture. The exponential increase in computing power has enabled technological advances in all fields of human endeavor, from science and medicine to entertainment and social interaction. It has also been a major driver of economic growth and has created new industries and transformed existing ones.
Limits of Moore's Law
Despite its predictive power, Moore's Law is not a physical law and many experts believe it will eventually reach its limits. The size of transistors cannot shrink indefinitely and there are physical and economic barriers to the continued miniaturization of technology. However, new technologies such as quantum computers and nanotechnology may continue the trend of increasing computing power.
Impact on Economy
Moore's Law has had a profound impact on the global economy. It has driven the growth of the technology sector and has been a major factor in the rise of the digital economy. It has also created new markets and opportunities for businesses and has transformed traditional industries.