Basic Element Of Novel Computing Hardware

Basic Element Of Novel Computing Hardware

The main requirement for the basic element of novel computing hardware is a physical element that we can make work as an operator (special case: binary operator) that takes 2 or more inputs and produces consistent output according to the laws it follows. 

One specialization for the theoretical foundation is Boolean Algebra [1]. But there is no requirement for the operators to accept values only of 2 types, as Boolean Algebra does. The only requirement is consistency.  

For example, Transistor, which acts as the basic element of current-generation computers, acts as a binary operator with its three terminals.

Whatever the hardware 

• Molecular
• DNA or otherwise
• Optical
• Quantum
• Nanotube 

the basic element from which the computer is built, has to act as an operator.

Now, there are of course other requirements. 

• One is that the operator, implemented as a physical element, has to work really fast; faster than the switching time of current generation transistors. Otherwise, why would we leave silicon-based transistors behind? 
• And the element has to be really small. Otherwise, how would you pack billions of elements required to build the computer in a small space? 

We need new elements as basic computer elements and new Architecture for Computers to keep Moore's Law [2] in effect. 

So, what's your guess for the post-Silicon era? 

References

1. Boolean Algebra
2. Moore's Law