Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Much current computer architecture research is focused on dealing with
soft errors in the datapath (logic soft errors) as well as the traditional chal-
lenges faced in memories. Many emerging nanoscale memory devices rely on
different physical mechanisms than charge storage and may provide interest-
ing opportunities to \harden" critical parts of a datapath or memory to upset
events. Furthermore, they are non-volatile and can enable processors to be-
come tolerant of sudden power supply interruptions. This can be exploited to
reduce the power-down and power-up transients of processors, allowing them
to be idled with their supplies turned off at short intervals. The challenges to
reliability for future device technologies are discussed in detail in Chapter 31.
29.3 Conclusion
The changes to underlying technology characteristics result in fundamen-
tal re-evaluation of computer architecture where decisions have been largely
based on previous component technology limitations. The new technology of-
fers new features that would fundamentally change long-standing architectural
choices that are deeply ingrained in the current computer industry. Founda-
tional computer architecture decisions are based on physical constraints of the
underlying components used to implement the architecture. Our challenge is
to reconceptualize computer architecture and storage models for technology
that will need to be developed for the next 10+ years.
Bibliography
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