Researchers create world’s smallest computer, outshine IBM’s invention

Scientists have outdone IBM’s smallest computer ever by inventing a computer smaller than the previous one, which is even smaller than a grain of rice.

Scientists from the University of Michigan have created the world’s smallest computer that is even dwarfed by a rice grain. The computer is basically a temperature sensing one and measures 0.04 cubic millimeters, which is about one-tenth of the size of IBM’s now former record holder.

As compared to IBM’s 1mm x 1mm computer, this new computer measures 0.3mm x 0.3mm. The co-leader of the project, David Blaauw, said, “We are about 10x smaller so we can fit in smaller spaces. Also, the IBM computer can’t sense its environment – it can send a code identifying itself but it does not sense its physical environment.”

[caption id="attachment_424550" align="alignnone" width="635"] IBM's former 'world's smallest computer'[/caption]

New world’s smallest computer by IBM is smaller than salt grain

Since the computer is really tiny, it is also very sensitive. Due to its sensitivity, the computer’s transmission LED could instigate currents in its circuits. In order to reduce the light effect, researchers shifted from diodes to switched capacitors. They had to combat the relative gain in electrical noise that came from running in a device that uses so little power. This gave rise to a sensor that measures changes in extremely small regions, reported Engadget.

“We basically had to invent new ways of approaching circuit design that would be equally low-power but could also tolerate light,” explained Blaauw.

Scientists believe that this computer can help in verifying a belief that tumors are little bit hotter than healthy issue. Through this tiny device, the statement could be checked if it’s right and measure the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The team believes that this computer can also help in diagnosing glaucoma from within the eyes, study tiny snails, and monitor biochemical processes and oil reservoirs.

However, with every good thing comes a drawback. This tiny computer has limited features and functionality because of its size. Its functionality would rather depend on what a particular study or activity requires, as expressed by the researchers.

Also, CNET wrote, despite having a full-fledged processor, the smaller-than-a-rice-grain computer is unable to store data when it loses power, similar to the IBM computer. Blaauw said, “We are not sure if they should be called computers or not. It’s more of a matter of opinion whether they have the minimum functionality required.”