Estimation of the computation capacity of classical computers
Yu. N. Zaiko · Technical Physics Letters · 2005
Calculations performed by a classical (irreversible) computer are described in terms of the Landauer model representing an ensemble of particles in a potential well with two minima separated by a barrier. Evaluation of the computation capacity of a classical computer under the assumption that the switching rate of such devices is exponentially dependent on the dissipated energy leads to a conclusion that contradicts the real situation. In order to eliminate the discrepancy, the system of equations for the populations of the wells is supplemented by an equation for the entropy. Solving this system of equations leads to a power dependence of the switching rate on the dissipated energy, which is confirmed in practice.