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1 cubic mm computer

07.04.2015

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Michigan has announced that it is ready to produce the world's smallest computer, the Michigan Micro Mote (M^3), measuring just one cubic millimeter. The developers are currently negotiating with companies showing interest in the device.

Despite its size, the M^3 is capable of taking pictures, measuring temperature and pressure and storing this data in its memory. Computer programming is carried out by means of light pulses, which can be transmitted by a lamp located next to the chip.

M^3 consists of several layers. Each subsequent top layer is smaller than the previous one, so the computer looks like a ladder. The bottom layer is a photocell that converts light into electricity to charge the battery. Then comes the battery layer, then the microprocessor and memory layer, then the radio module layer. A lens with a photomatrix in the form of a cylinder can be additionally placed on top (it is in the second image). The M^3 computer is completely autonomous. It is capable of collecting and recording data by extracting energy from light.

According to the developers, they were able to create a miniature computer after the release of the Phoenix processor with a size of 915 x 915 microns, consuming 500 pW (5 * 10-10 W, about the same amount of energy consumed by 500 human cells). Having received the processor, the engineers developed a photocell measuring one square millimeter, with an output power of 2 nW (2 * 10-9 W). This turned out to be enough to charge the built-in battery and for autonomous operation of the system in normal lighting conditions, if the battery is low.

The developers believe that Michigan Micro Mote can be used in medicine. The computer can be used for examinations, measurement of intracranial and intraocular pressure in case of injuries and various diseases. The use of M^3 would make these procedures less painful and safer from the point of view of accidental infection.

Another area of application of the computer is industry and infrastructure. Engineers believe the device could be used to explore mineral deposits or to monitor road conditions by placing computers in the roadbed.

The built-in wireless module allows the computer to transmit information at a distance of up to seven meters. Now engineers are working to increase the range of the module up to 20 meters, as well as the ability of computers to transmit information through each other along the chain.
About the M^3 computer, a demonstration of the programming process

The Michigan Micro Mote took over 10 years to develop. Both department staff and students took part in the project. Their plans include the creation of a computer with even smaller dimensions.

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