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MENTAL MODEL · M4875

Moore's Law

Moore's Law
TechnicalHigh supportPhysics
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The number of transistors that can be accommodated on an integrated circuit approximately doubles every 18-24 months, with performance improving accordingly.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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A paradigm of exponential growth. Moore's law is not a natural law but a self-fulfilling prophecy of the industry. It has guided technology roadmaps for 50 years until approaching physical limits.

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In 1965, Moore observed that the transistor density on chips roughly doubles every 18-24 months, with unit costs decreasing and performance increasing. It is not a physical law but a 'self-fulfilling prophecy' driven by industry investment in R&D and manufacturing processes, fueling a positive feedback loop in roadmaps until approaching atomic and power limits.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore%27s_lawZH · Explicit
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