Self-Healing Computer Chip

Mar-13-13 A new self-repairing computer chip is able to return itself to a functioning state even after being hit with a laser.

The integrated-circuit chip, developed by a team at the California Institute of Technology, was designed to function similarly to the body’s immune system and respond quickly to a number of different possible assaults. It features a tiny power amplifier with an array of on-chip sensors that monitor temperature, voltage, current and power. The information from the sensors is sent to a custom-made application-specific integrated-circuit (ASIC) on the chip which acts as the “brain.” The bran analyzes the amplifier’s performance and adjusts the chips actuators if necessary.

In tests, the team destroyed parts of their chips by hitting them with a high-power laser. The chips automatically developed a way to work around the destroyed section in less than a second.

Image: Damage inflicted on the power amplifier using a high-power laser. Image captured by scanning electron microscope.

More Info about this Invention:

[DISCOVERY.COM]
[CAL TECH]

---