Intel Tri-Gate Device

See: Multigate Device, Intel Inc..

---

---

References

2011

• (Wikipedia, 2011-May-15) ⇒ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multigate_device#Tri-gate_transistors_.28Intel.29
  • QUOTE: Tri-gate or 3-D are terms used by Intel Corporation to describe their nonplanar transistor architecture planned for use in future microprocessors. These transistors employ a single gate stacked on top of two vertical gates allowing for essentially three times the surface area for electrons to travel. Intel reports that their tri-gate transistors reduce leakage and consume far less power than current transistors. This allows up to 37% higher speed, and a power consumption at under 50% of the previous type of transistors used by Intel.
• (The Economist, 2011-May-13) ⇒ The Economist. (2011-May-13). “The Difference Engine: Intel left outside.”
  • QUOTE: Since their inception, integrated circuits have had a two-dimensional planar structure, with a metal gate mounted across a flat conducting channel of silicon. Via its single contact patch, the gate controls the current flowing from the source electrode at one end of the silicon channel to the drain electrode at the other. However, the channel width has shrunk with every new generation of the technology — so more transistors can be packed into the limited space for greater performance. In the process, the gate itself has also become smaller and less effective, allowing current to leak away and impairing the transistor’s ability to switch rapidly between its two states.
  • QUOTE: To get around this performance roadblock, Intel’s new transistor design features a conducting channel in the form of a vertical silicon fence that stands proud of the surface. That gives the metal gate straddling it three contact areas instead of just one to exert control over the current — a large patch on either side of the fence and a smaller one along the top. The result is less leakage and thus more current flowing when the transistor is in its “on” state (for higher performance). And thanks to the greater gate control, the current is virtually zero when the transistor is in its “off” state (for lower power consumption). Intel reckons chips using its “Tri-Gate” design can switch 37% faster than equivalent processors based on today’s technology, use 50% less juice and yet cost only 2-3% more to make.
• (Nature, 2011-May-06) ⇒ http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110506/full/news.2011.274.html

---