MINIATURIZATION
Charles François (2004). MINIATURIZATION, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 2130.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 2130 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
The evolutive replacement of components in systems by smaller ones.
H.T. ODUM observes such an evolution in many mechanical and electronic systems. He believes that the same trend exists in biological systems and writes: “Miniaturization provides more function for less power and less space, ultimately allowing more function and complexity for the same resources” (1971, p.158).
The trend toward miniaturization could gather new impetus through the use of self-assembling materials at microscopic level.
Miniaturization will offer a selective advantage to small components and machines. However, it also will soon or later reach its limits, even in electronics (See: “The end of the line”, The Economist, Nr.7923, June 15th., 1995).