IDSC Topic 14

Moore’s Law

Observation that computing power doubles and cost halves roughly every 18 months.

Microprocessor

The component of a computer that executes program instructions.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Fast, volatile memory used for temporary data storage.

Volatile Memory

Memory that is erased when power is turned off.

Nonvolatile Memory

Memory that retains data even when powered off.

Flash Memory

Nonvolatile, chip-based storage used in devices like USB drives.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Nonvolatile storage device using flash memory instead of spinning disks.

Semiconductor

Material that can conduct or block electricity, used in computer chips.

Optical Fiber Line

High-speed communication cable using light to transmit data.

Price Elasticity

The degree to which demand changes in response to price changes.

Microcontrollers

Small, specialized computing devices embedded in products.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Network of connected devices that collect and exchange data.

Multicore Processor

Chip with multiple processing cores for improved performance and efficiency.

Quantum Computing

Advanced computing using quantum mechanics to process complex problems.

Qubits

Basic unit of quantum computing that can represent multiple states simultaneously.

Fabs

Semiconductor fabrication plants where chips are manufactured.

Silicon Wafers

Thin slices of silicon used to create electronic circuits.

Pervasive Computing

Embedding computing capabilities into everyday objects and environments.

Exponential Growth

Growth that increases rapidly over time due to compounding effects.

S-Curve

A pattern showing slow growth, rapid growth, then plateau in technology adoption.