Ritter's Ruminations & Ramblings

Moore’s Law still works January 24, 2012

Moore’s Law is a well-known axiom that technology advances occur every 18 months. Initially described in 1965 by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, this effect still holds true.  Initially, it dealt with the density of transistors installed on a printed circuit board. Moore stated that the number rises every 24 months. This was possible due to advances in technology in circuit design, chip manufacture and so on. Another Intel exec later revised the time frame to 18 months (perhaps the more commonly know timeframe).

Here is an infographic which shows changes in both technology and their related cost from the 80′s to present day. This is a demo of Moore’s Law in action.  It shows changes in popular electronic devices. It includes a range of products with the initial price and then normalized to present day prices. Lots of changes in the last 30 years.

A great example is the comparison in cell phones. Initially, a cellular telephone cost $4,000 ($8500+ today) as compared to a current iPhone that costs $500. Big difference with so much more capability at significantly reduced cost.

Like most good things, Moore mentioned in 2005 that this is finite. In an iterview he stated “It can’t continue forever. The nature of exponentials is that you push them out and eventually disaster happens”.

So there is a limit. I don’t know when we will reach the end. For now, I’m glad the law still holds for electronics and other industries as well (e.g. – cars, appliances). I wish it worked for furniture!