SIA: Moore's Law Still Going Strong

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 20 -- Despite some obstacles, Moore’s law can remain in effect for another 15 to 20 years, said the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). This week marks the 40th anniversary of an observation by chip industry pioneer Gordon Moore that the number of components on a silicon chip was doubling approximately every year. Moore’s Law has been the most important competitive benchmark for the microchip industry ever since.

"Countless 'experts' have been predicting the imminent demise of Moore’s Law for at least 20 years," said SIA President George Scalise. "They have all been wrong, thanks to a relentless commitment to extending the frontiers of science by the industry, university researchers and the federal government."

Scalise said the nation’s economic growth, standard of living and national security are heavily dependent on continued leadership in semiconductor technology, and that many economic, physical and technological obstacles could slow or halt progress according to Moore’s law.

"Scientists throughout the world are working to be the first to overcome these obstacles," he said. "While the resources required to continue progress are significant, the rewards for leadership in microelectronics are enormous. Our highest priority at SIA is keeping the US semiconductor industry at the forefront of technology."

G. Dan Hutcheson, CEO of VLSI Research, wrote an essay, "40 Years of Moore’s Law," which appears in the 2005 SIA Annual Report. The report also includes an essay by Harvard Professor Dale W. Jorgenson on the economic benefits of Moore’s law. For more information, visit: www.sia-online.org