Chip technology behind the Bitcoin phenomenon

Ever wondered what the Bitcoin currency means to the electronics industry?

Well, there is a Bitcoin electronics ecosystem, and it seems to be growing.

An early developer of hardware systems for Bitcoin mining is US-based CoinTerra and it has recently expanded its business by acquiring Europe-based Bitcoin related software company Bits of Proof.

Dubbed the ‘virtual currency’, Bitcoin is a software-based online payment system which is based on open-source software.Chip technology behind the Bitcoin phenomenon

Mining is the name given to the process of creating a currency transaction and adding it to Bitcoin’s global database of transactions. Called the block chain, this electronic database confirms all transactions on the network.

Essentially this is the basis of the currency as it ensures that each Bitcoin is only spent once. The hardware, essentially a network of data processing nodes, not only records transactions, it must also validate transactions. This is called ‘proof of work’ validation.

The hardware must be secure and tamper-resistant.

In the very early days of the Bitcoin the transactions were processed on networked PCs, but it was inevitable that more bespoke hardware was needed as the financial network proliferated.

The hardware needs to be scalable, as Bitcoin processing nodes can vary in size. The network is inherently large and so there is a requirement for the hardware to be low cost and energy efficient. This is why Asic design has been adopted by CoinTerra.

CoinTerra, based in Austin, Texas, develops scalable data processing hardware for Bitcoin mining datacentres. Called TruePeta, the hardware is based on an Asic.

 

For more detail: Chip technology behind the Bitcoin phenomenon


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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