MRAM Is The Next Evolution In Memory
Freescale, the chip manufacturer that was spun off from Motorola, has announced that it will begin commercial production of MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory).
MRAM has been described as the most significant memory introduction so far in this decade - a completely new technology instead of just an evolutionary step. It relies on the resistance between two magnetic plates that operate like transistors to record the ones and zeros that make up the information stored. This is much more durable than DRAM memory commony used in PCs around the world as that form of RAM relies on a small electrical charge.
MRAM could enable instantaneous startup of PCs, giving it a useful application in the homes of the future where PCs will have to operate more like consumer electronics devices, but the storage capacities will have to increase first. The chips in production at the moment are only 4GB making them more suitable for use in printers than in PCs.
Freescale has had the MRAM chips in production for a couple of months before making the launch announcement to allow it to build up stocks.
“The commercial launch of the industry’s first MRAM product is a major milestone made possible by the pioneering research of Freescale technologists. It underscores our commitment to deliver breakthrough technology to our customers to address real-world challenges,” said Sumit Sadana, senior vice president, Strategy and Business Development, and Chief Technology Officer at Freescale. “The unique capabilities of MRAM technology have numerous exciting applications in our target markets.”
Add comment July 11th, 2006