NDLI: The Exergy Cost of Information Processing: A Comparison of Computer-Based Technologies and Biological Systems

Content Provider	The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Digital Collection
Author	Carey, V. P. Shah, A. J.
Copyright Year	2004
Abstract	Processing information (analysis, storing, retrieving, sharing) is the primary function of modern computer-based information systems. Systems of this type generally require an input flow of exergy (available energy) to function. Information processing systems now are evolving in two directions. One direction is towards bigger and more sophisticated systems. The other is towards systems that are more compact and portable. In both cases, the energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important design issue. This paper summarizes an exploration of the exergy cost of processing information at the component and system levels in state-of-the-art information processing systems. The energy efficiency characteristics of computer-based information technologies are also compared to estimates of the energy efficiency of biological information processing in brains of mammals. Energy efficiencies of processors and systems are quantified in terms of the ratio of MIPS to exergy input rate. Available data suggest that for recent generations of processors, this ratio has been increasing proportional to the square root of processor speed. Despite this increase, the energy efficiency of computer-based systems is currently substantially below the estimated efficiency of biological systems. The data also suggest that unless processor energy efficiencies are greatly increased, the development of information processing systems that match human brain performance will be hindered by the need for large power supplies and high-capacity heat rejection systems.
Sponsorship	Advanced Energy Systems Division
Starting Page	57
Ending Page	65
Page Count	9
File Format	PDF
ISBN	0791847012
DOI	10.1115/IMECE2004-61376
Volume Number	Advanced Energy Systems
Conference Proceedings	ASME 2004 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition
Language	English
Publisher Date	2004-11-13
Publisher Place	Anaheim, California, USA
Access Restriction	Subscribed
Subject Keyword	Energy efficiency Brain information processing Exergy Information processing Computers Brain
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article

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