Cheaper computer memory is on the horizon thanks to this RAM breakthrough
IGZO-TFT technology will enable much higher density
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A new way of designing the basic component that goes into every single system memory could herald a new era of cheap, power-sipping D-RAM(Dynamic Random Access Memory).
Research organization imec recently presented a new technology that foregoes the use of storage capacitors and uses two indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors (IGZO-TFTs).
Gouri Sankar Kar, Program Director at imec, said in a statement that the solution will “will help tear down the so-called memory wall”. This refers to the increasing speed difference between the CPU and the memory located externally.
More memory for your money
In an email exchange withTechRadar Pro, a spokesperson for the organization confirmed that the goal is to offer memory chips with capacities larger than 128Gbit. That would open the doors for low-power, high density 3D D-RAM units that could, in turn, push memory prices down further.
Layer stacking is a common strategy used insolid state drivesto boost capacity at a cheaper price, without sacrificing performance too much. Next generation Flash memory chips are expected to have almost 200 layers (Micron recently unveiled a 176-layer 3D NAND).
What makes this imec breakthrough even more exciting is that it may allow forin-memory computingto become more affordable andRAM disksto become far more commonplace.
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Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled inwebsite buildersandweb hostingwhen DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.
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