In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the future of computing, Chinese scientists have introduced the world’s first carbon-based microchip capable of executing artificial intelligence (AI) tasks using an innovative ternary logic system. This achievement, led by researchers from Peking University and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, signals a major breakthrough in semiconductor technology, potentially exceeding the capabilities of conventional silicon-based chips.
The new chip is constructed using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a material known for its superior electrical conductivity, stability, and ultra-thin structure. CNTs are cylindrical tubes derived from graphene sheets and have previously been used in applications such as lithium-ion batteries. However, their unique properties now position them as a key material for the next generation of semiconductors.
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Unlike traditional silicon chips that rely on binary logic, the carbon-based chip operates using ternary logic, which processes information in three states—zeros, ones, and a third state—enhancing both processing speed and energy efficiency. This shift enables faster computations and more efficient data transmission within the same physical space, representing a leap forward in chip design.
The research team designed a carbon nanotube transistor based on source-gated transistors (SGTs), allowing the chip to switch between three distinct current states, laying the foundation for ternary logic circuits. When tested in a neural network, the chip demonstrated perfect accuracy in classifying handwritten digits, showcasing its potential for AI-driven applications such as machine learning and image recognition.
While carbon nanotube technology still lags behind traditional silicon chips in terms of integration density, the development of this CNT chip places China at the forefront of carbon-based semiconductor research. Lead researcher Peng Lianmao, who has been studying this technology for over two decades, expressed optimism that carbon-based chips could become mainstream within the next 10 to 15 years, marking a new era of high-performance, energy-efficient computing.
