A new computer microchip developed in Alberta is 100 times more energy efficient, researchers say.
For years, scientists have been trying to duplicate how our brains transmit and decode information, from the scent of a rose to images on a TV screen.
To that end, engineers are trying to design smaller microchips that use much less battery power.
Now researchers at the University of Alberta have achieved the first step, producing a microchip that is 10 times smaller than those currently used in cellphones.
The chip doesn't use a conventional power source but instead siphons off energy left over after the processor stops working.
"Batteries store a limited amount of energy," said Vincent Gaudet, an assistant professor of engineering at U of A. "So if we can use that energy at a lower rate, the battery life will be a lot longer."
The researchers say it's now up to engineers in the industry to decide on how to apply the technology.
"I don't really feel that we're in a position to make predictions," said Christian Schlegel, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the university. "You have no idea what type of new applications may be just around the corner that might take the industry or the world by surprise like the internet has."
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