Article Abstract:
In the 1980s, American companies scaled back or dropped research efforts to develop computers using superconducting devices. Now researchers advocate renewed efforts. Americans who contemplate re-entering the field find themselves trailing the Japanese. Once again, questions are raised about long-range research in the United States. A report by the National Commission on Superconductivity, which advises Congress on superconductor industrial development, calls for greater effort in superconducting computers. There is particular interest in 'high temperature' superconductors, and researchers are exploring a technique called flux quantum logic. The report by the National Commission on Superconductivity envisions supercomputing processors arranged in parallel that could be used in a 'petaflops' computer, or one capable of performing one million billion operations per second.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The Japanese government is organizing a ten-year plan designed to develop a computer that emulates the human brain by understanding speech and interpreting facial expressions. The plan is called the Real-World Computing Program and brings together research projects that explore massively parallel processing and brain-like neural networks. There is some confusion surrounding the program because it is not as focused as previous Japanese projects have been. The Japanese government has also decided to allow foreign companies and universities to participate in the research. The US government is discouraging American companies from joining the research efforts because of fears that the best technology and ideas will be exploited by Japanese companies.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Intel Corp plans to spend $1 billion on equipment and new plants in 1991. The semiconductor company puts a large increase in its planned capital spending, which is up sharply from the $670 million it spent in 1990 and the $450 million it spent in 1989. Industry observers note that Intel is the first US semiconductor company that will spend $1 billion in one year. Japanese competitors, which are busy making dynamic RAM (DRAM) chips, plan to spend between $600 million to $800 million in 1991. Intel is following a Japanese strategy of spending heavy during a recession so as to gain an advantage over competitors. Analysts note that other US semiconductor companies will not be able to match Intel's spending.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: