Computers That Can Run Backwards

Abstract

Denning et al discusses the potential impact of reversible computations as computers that can run backwards, to reduce the energy consumption of each new generation of their chips. The birth of reversible circuits where researchers noted the relationship between information theory and thermodynamics that could solve the problem of giving off that form of heat and if other sources of heat can be remove is noted. The cost of reversible computers using lower switching speeds means less kinetic energy consumption called adiabatic switching and the impact of algorithms which pose another limit to energy are mentioned.