Phase change memory to signal the end of Flash and RAM?
A 128Mb memory device, built on 90nm and codenamed "Alverstone", utilises phase change memory technology and has began shipping in prototype samples for evaluation by cellular and embedded customers.
Phase change memory, a type of non-volatile computer memory, is one of many new technologies looking to compete against the widely adopted Flash memory. Following years of research and development, Intel and STMicroelectronics hope to move the technology quicker into the marketplace with the aid of "Alverstone".
Ed Doller, chief technology officer-designate of Numonyx, the new name for the pending STMicroelectronics and Intel flash memory company says:
"This is the most significant non-volatile memory advancement in 40 years. There have been plenty of attempts to find and develop new non-volatile memory technologies, yet of all the concepts, PCM provides the most compelling solution - and Intel and STMicroelectronics are delivering PCM into the hands of customers today. This is an important milestone for the industry and for our companies."
Phase change memory, which uses the application of heat to change states, had previously been deemed to have two states, amorphous (in which atoms are loose) and crystalline (where atoms are rigid). Having recently discovered a further two states, Intel has already doubled the potential capacity of phase change memory.
Should "Alverstone" prove to be a success, we could see memory similar to Flash, but with speeds of DRAM. Further down the time line, could a single phase change memory chip replace both flash and DRAM in various devices? It's certainly looking that way, but don't expect it for a few years yet.
Official press release: INTEL, STMICROELECTRONICS DELIVER INDUSTRY'S FIRST PHASE CHANGE MEMORY PROTOTYPES
