Stepping level
Encyclopedia
The term stepping level in the context of CPU architecture or integrated circuitry is a version number.
Stepping level refers to the introduction or revision of the lithographic mask or masks within the set of plates that generate the pattern that produces the CPU or integrated circuit. The term derives from the name of the equipment ("steppers"
) that exposes the photoresist
to light.
Typically, when an integrated circuit manufacturer such as Intel or AMD invests money to do a stepping (i.e. a revision to the masks), they have found bugs in the logic, have made improvements to the design that allow for faster processing, or have found a way to increase yield or improve the "bin splits" (i.e. create faster transistors and hence faster CPUs). One result of some new steppings is that the CPU design is improved such that it overclocks
better than others.
Many CPUs have a means of interrogating them in order to discover their stepping level. For example, on x86 CPUs executing the CPUID
with the EAX register set to '1' will place values in other registers that show the CPU's stepping level.
Stepping level refers to the introduction or revision of the lithographic mask or masks within the set of plates that generate the pattern that produces the CPU or integrated circuit. The term derives from the name of the equipment ("steppers"
Stepper
A stepper is a device used in the manufacture of integrated circuits that is similar in operation to a slide projector or a photographic enlarger. Steppers are an essential part of the complex process, called photolithography, that creates millions of microscopic circuit elements on the surface of...
) that exposes the photoresist
Photoresist
A photoresist is a light-sensitive material used in several industrial processes, such as photolithography and photoengraving to form a patterned coating on a surface.-Tone:Photoresists are classified into two groups: positive resists and negative resists....
to light.
Typically, when an integrated circuit manufacturer such as Intel or AMD invests money to do a stepping (i.e. a revision to the masks), they have found bugs in the logic, have made improvements to the design that allow for faster processing, or have found a way to increase yield or improve the "bin splits" (i.e. create faster transistors and hence faster CPUs). One result of some new steppings is that the CPU design is improved such that it overclocks
Overclocking
Overclocking is the process of operating a computer component at a higher clock rate than it was designed for or was specified by the manufacturer, but some manufacturers purposely underclock their components to improve battery life. Many people just overclock or 'rightclock' their hardware to...
better than others.
Many CPUs have a means of interrogating them in order to discover their stepping level. For example, on x86 CPUs executing the CPUID
CPUID
The CPUID opcode is a processor supplementary instruction for the x86 architecture. It was introduced by Intel in 1993 when it introduced the Pentium and SL-Enhanced 486 processors....
with the EAX register set to '1' will place values in other registers that show the CPU's stepping level.