One of the main bottlenecks, which hinder the creation of more productive computers, is the limited bandwidth in the exchange of data between the processor and RAM.

A possible solution to this problem was found by scientists from Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who created a prototype chip that combines a processor, memory, and additional sensors. An article on the development was published in the journal Nature.

As Engadget writes, unlike modern chips that are made of silicon, the prototype was created from carbon (graphene) nanotubes, on top of which a layer of resistive memory (RRAM) was deposited,.

According to the researchers, the resulting chip represents the "most complex nanoelectronic system" among the ever-created. In addition, the development was implemented three-dimensional computer architecture.

This breakthrough was achieved thanks to the use of carbon, because the production of silicon chips requires high temperatures, which can damage sensitive RRAM cells.

In addition to providing better performance, the prototype can also find application in the field of gas detection - for this purpose the top layer of nanotube sensors.

Engadget notes that, as in the case of other graphene-based developments, it is still unknown when one can expect the appearance of a commercial version of a new generation chip on the market.