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Lower limit to power consumption

$I$ bits of Information    
No. configurations $\Omega=1$ \framebox{Computer}  
Entropy $S=\log \Omega\ k = 0$    
Perform calculation, destroys information
$0$ bits of Information    
$\Omega=2^{I}$ \framebox{Computer}  
$S=\log \Omega\ k = I \log{2}\ k$    
Remove entropy to restore computer to original state
$0$ bits of Information    
$S=0$ \framebox{Computer} $S\ge I \log{2}\ k$

Typically entropy removed via heat $Q$ (consumes energy). $Q = S T$ $Q \ge I \log{2}\ kT$. I.e. at least $\log{2}\ kT$ used per bit of information lost ($2.8\ 10^{-21}$ Joules at room temperature).
Cf. low power pentium $5\ 10^{-11}$ (300 MHz 0.5 Watt)


Bill LANGDON 2003-05-26