IBM breakthrough, one step closer to optical computers Recommend article:Yorktown Heights (NY) - IBM announced today reaching a significant milestone in practical on-chip optical data transmissions. Using a device called a Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator (MZEOM), one that's 100 to 1,000 times smaller than similar previous devices, IBM has managed to send 100x more data between processor cores using 10x less power than over copper wires. IBM plans to integrate this technology into their future many-core architectures, eventually bringing our desire for 1000s of processing cores and true supercomputing power, to even our notebooks.The silicon-based MZEOM is a device which has both a laser source input and electrical signal input. The electrical input signal is used to instruct the MZEOM when to switch the laser on and off. The laser itself is carried through something called a silicon nano-photonic waveguide, like an on-die fiber optic wires which connects two points both terminated by MZEOMs. The signal is modulated as required by the on-die circuitry, sending data to its destination. By using light, instead of electricity, not only can much more data be communicated, but with a fraction of the energy cost and generated heat.According to IBM, the new technology "significantly reduces [manufacturing] cost [and therefore end-user cost], energy consumption and heat while increasing communications bandwidth between the cores more than 100x over wired chips." IBM has big plans for the technology. According to their press release, "The new technology aims to connect 100s, even 1000s of processor cores together on a single chip that would have the power of today's large supercomputers." ------------------------------------------My comments: It seems we are on the threshold of amazing computers that will be capable of powering present and future flight simulation, well....(if you excuse the pun)...to the very skies that they emulate!I think that I want to hold off on multi-core for a couple of more years....:)))))Bottom line...massive computing power, less heat, and reasonably priced for the masses.... I'm in!Optical Computing Mitch, or hopefully...will be...LOL.

Hi Mitch,Leading edge, as usual!I agree, I'm sure optical must be the ultimate goal. It would solve so many of the problems inherent in current processing hardware.Supercomputers in the home! Mmmmmm!I bet it takes them more than a couple of years, though.Cheers!Mike

Hi,I wonder if we, at the release of FS11, will wonder why MS made the bad decision not to take advantage of the uprising mega-multiple cpu:s?Ulf B

>I bet it takes them more than a couple of years, though.Not to mention more than a couple of dollars;-) Gotta pay for that R&D ya know.

HelloI noticed from your Sig that you have the Hanns-G 28" monitorHow do you like it, did you have any stuck pixels ect.I am looking at buying one of these as the size to resolution ratio seems to be ideal.http://www.freewebs.com/reading1871/30.jpg

>Hello>I noticed from your Sig that you have the Hanns-G 28" monitor>How do you like it, did you have any stuck pixels ect.>I am looking at buying one of these as the size to resolution>ratio seems to be ideal.>http://www.freewebs.com/reading1871/30.jpgmad dog,The first monitor I got had one stuck pixel on it. I boxed it back up, took it straight back to Best Buy and exchanged it for another monitor. I've had aboslutely no issues with the monitor I now have and it is an absolute dream with FSX. Couldn't be happier with the purchase especially the price.