System technology challenges facing the PC industry

Personal computers (PCs) currently exhibit performance levels comparable to those of mainframe computers only a few years ago. Trends also suggest a sustained 2× yearly increase in performance per unit cost. These improvements are coupled with marked increases in heat dissipation and electromagnetic emissions with tighter requirements for power delivery and high speed signalling. In contrast with high-end computers, however, PCs have very tight cost constraints, with average prices below $2500. In this paper, we examine some of the formidable tasks facing the industry to continue delivering cost-effective thermal, power delivery, interconnect and EMI solutions consistent with high volume PC requirements