The Real World Benefit of Reducing CPU Lithography Size

The quest to reduce the size of the lithography of CPUs has proven to be one of the most transformative journeys in technology. This effort has led to a myriad of real-world benefits, including increased cache capacity, higher core counts, and enhanced performance. In this article, we will explore why reducing the size of lithography is so crucial and how it relates to other improvements such as cache and core quantity.

What is Lithography Size and Why Does It Matter?

Lithography is the process of transferring a circuit pattern onto a substrate, typically silicon, using light and chemical processes. As the size of the lithography decreases, the size of the transistors also decreases, leading to significant improvements in computing power and efficiency.

The reduction in feature size is essential because it allows more transistors, both cache and cores, to be packed into the same space. For instance, a processor that was built with a 10,000 nm lithography might have had just a few thousand transistors, whereas a modern 10 nm processor can contain billions of transistors. This drastic change has not only meant more transistors but also smaller, more efficient designs.

Impact on Transistor Count and Core Quantity

When we reduce the size of the lithography, we essentially reduce the size of the transistors. This reduction is not a tradeoff between lithography size and cache or core quantity; rather, it enables the increase in both. Smaller transistors mean more can be placed in the same space, allowing for higher core counts and larger cache sizes.

Consider the evolution of processors from the SSI (Small Scale Integration) and MSI (Medium Scale Integration) eras, which featured hundreds or thousands of transistors, to modern processors with billions of transistors packed into the same space. This reduction in physical size does not come at the expense of performance; instead, it allows for more powerful and efficient devices.

If we had not consistently reduced transistor feature sizes over the past 40-50 years, we would still be in the SSI and MSI era, with hundreds or thousands of transistors on a chip. But today, we have processors that can handle billions of transistors, making it possible to pack in more memory, cores, and capabilities without increasing the physical size of the device.

Real-World Benefits and Examples

The real-world benefits of reducing CPU lithography size are many. One of the most significant is the ability to add more memory and cores into a smaller space, making modern devices more powerful and efficient. For example, consider the transition from the PII (Pentium II) processors, which had limited L2 cache and required separate chipsets, to modern CPUs that integrate cache and cores onto a single die. This integration has not only reduced the size of the system but has also improved performance.

Another notable development is the inclusion of advanced features like Dolby surround sound directly into the motherboard, which was previously done through separate add-on cards. This improvement is a direct result of the ability to pack more transistors into smaller spaces.

Modern Examples: Qualcomm Snapdragon

The Qualcomm Snapdragon series is a prime example of the benefits of reducing CPU lithography size. These processors are designed to fit into mobile devices, yet they contain a variety of advanced features including GPS, wireless modems, WiFi, high-definition cameras, and more. This integration of multiple functionalities into a single chip is made possible by the reduction in transistor size, allowing for more complexity without a significant increase in size.

The Snapdragon processors demonstrate that modern CPUs are not only powerful but also highly integrated. This reduction in size and complexity has made devices more portable and efficient, paving the way for modern smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics.

As we continue to push the boundaries of lithography, we can expect even more improvements in computing power, efficiency, and device size. The reduction in CPU lithography size represents a fundamental shift in how we design and build computing devices, making them more powerful, efficient, and versatile than ever before.