We’ve probably seen it in science fiction movies that intricate objects and equipment can be invented, designed, and reverse-engineered from other materials in just a moment’s notice. That isn’t necessarily far from the truth.
What Is Moore’s Law?
Throughout most of history, technology will usually advance exponentially, granted that it’s not interrupted by a significant historical event. But as long as academic research will remain unabated, there’s bound to be critical developments. For instance, computers are one of the most important inventions in the last century and are still play an integral part in most of society. But computers, as we know today, weren’t just invented in a blink of an eye: it had to go through a rigorous evolution for decades until it’s what we know it today.
During the early 1940s, the first computers were invented to follow simple logical tasks inputted by operators. However, these computers were relatively “inefficient” since they were bulky and needed a fair excess of electricity to function. Most of these computers were also lacking a Central Processing Unit (CPU).
As decades went by, even more computers were invented, albeit they were more compact, took less power, had even more intricate parts, and had even more memory space. In just a few decades, these precursors became the computer that we know today: one with a screen, a CPU, a keyboard, and a mouse. Although it took a bit of time to get here, the amount of work and energy placed into getting it this far was worth it.
If you haven’t noticed the pattern just yet, it only takes a few years for most computers to become reduced in size, while most parts can get cheaper since manufacturing costs tend to go down. There’s a term for this phenomenon: Moore’s law. Every two years, the number of transistors (which can affect the processing power) needed on computers will usually be doubled while the price of such computers will be cut in half.
We’ll answer some critical questions on whether Moore’s Law is still valid with some hard-driven facts.
How Does This Help Businesses?
Moore’s law has a lot of applications in most of the electronics industry. Because of this pattern, most designers and electronics engineers are continually making transistors as miniature as possible. The constant miniaturization of boards and transistors can free up more space for other, more essential items for other parts. For instance, a circuit board that would take around $500 to manufacture back in the 1970s would only take $0.02 to manufacture by the start of the 1990s.
Even now, a personal computer that might cost $1,000 in the year 1990 will go down to $500 by 1992, and $250 by 1994. As you can see, it only takes a few years for prices to be cut down in half, and this will exponentially go down even more as time goes by. In addition to this, newer computer designs are known to be more efficient.
This pattern has made it “guaranteed” that the cost to manufacture computers and electronics will significantly decrease every two to four years.
Whether we’re using fast and efficient CPUs, large memory storages, and stable power supplies for laptops or computers, circuit boards will always be a key component in almost any device. If you’re looking to produce your line of electronic devices, you might need to commission the services of circuit board fabrication companies known for their quality artistry.
But there’s still one wrinkle that we have to peer into: with the current states of businesses based on what’s happening, how will these industries, especially those working with electronics and superconductors, be affected by a public health crisis? Is this pattern still valid in such an initiative?
Moore’s Law Is Dying
You heard it right: half a century of constant technological development is about to be placed to a stop. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s going to be a plateau in growth. What does this mean?
Now that we are in an age of “new normal,” the world’s reality and order as we knew it before aren’t what we know it today. Most businesses are taking drastic measures by changing their operation pattern if they want to survive a plummet in the global economy.
According to some courses, Moore’s law isn’t necessarily as “legit” as a concept as it was a few years ago. Most experts would say that the idea of Moore’s Law will probably die out by 2022.
But most people shouldn’t be too pessimistic about this since there’s going to be alternatives that can take the place of Moore’s Law. Most engineers and geniuses are always designing different ways of manufacturing and automating the process. So if you’re planning on investing in the electronics industry, keep your eye on the money!
In summary, Moore’s law is dying, but in its stead will be even better and more efficient alternatives to manufacturing electronics and products. It’s still a good rule of thumb for most consumers to wait a couple of years when buying products that might be more expensive than usual. When there’s bound to be newer products, you’ll easily get them at a lower price. Technology is continually advancing, and things are changing with it. You have to know how to discern getting the best ones.
