Gizmodo: phase-change memory

Intel Doubles Capacity of Phase-Change Memory, the Next Step After Flash

Adam Frucci — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:05:22 EST

Sure, its exciting to see flash memory drop in price and increase in capacity, but flash isn't the end-all-be-all. In fact, we already know what it'll be replaced by before it's even become the de facto standard: phase-change memory. And Intel just figured out how to double the capacity of phase-change memory, shortening flash's lifespan before it's even really taken off.

So what exactly is phase-change memory?

Phase-change memory differs from other solid-state memory technologies such as flash and random-access memory because it doesn't use electrons to store data. Instead, it relies on the material's own arrangement of atoms, known as its physical state. Previously, phase-change memory was designed to take advantage of only two states: one in which atoms are loosely organized (amorphous), and another where they are rigidly structured (crystalline).

Now, Intel has discovered that there are two more distinct states between amorphous and crystalline that can be used to store information, doubling the capacity of the memory.

Phase-change is superior to flash as it's much faster. It's as fast as the DRAM and SRAM that's used in conjunction with flash memory now. When phase-change becomes standard, it would be all that was necessary rather than a DRAM or SRAM module that reads and writes data quickly while the flash memory is just there to store data when the power is off.

Don't worry, though. Phase-change memory won't be hitting consumer devices for another few years, so your expensive flash-equipped devices won't be going obsolete… yet. [Technology Review via Slashdot]

Phase Change Memory, Causing Some Ch-Ch-Changes

Haroon Malik — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 14:20:00 EDT

Phase Change Memory (PCM) has been in development since the 1960s and now it is ready for the masses, coined as the new flash memory. Intel and STMicroelectronics are expected to make the new platform available this year, in small quantities. So what is the fuss? In a nutshell, PCM is bigger and badder than its flash memory sister.

In comparison to flash memory, the statistics are staggering. The new kid on the block is approximately 100,000 times faster, with an increased write speed from 1ms to 10ns/byte. Flash memory will usually cease to function after 100,000 writes/sector, PCM will be able to withstand a hefty 100,000,000 writes/sector, making it significantly more durable.

Obviously there are drawbacks; the production method utilises a lot of energy and writing data will require a higher voltage input. The pros seem to outweigh the cons and we can expect the first steps to ubiquity will be achieved by mid-to-late 2008. [Uberreview]

Intel to Mass Produce Phase-Change Memory In 2007

Mark Wilson — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 09:17:52 EST

Even if you usually skip over dull PC articles, this one's worth reading. Earlier this week, Intel announced their plans to mass produce phase-change memory (PCM or PRAM) by the end of 2007.

So why the hell does this matter to you, oh searcher for the USB bust-enhancer? From Intel:

The phase-change memory gets pretty close to Nirvana...

PRAM is the Chosen One in a world where volatile, evil flash memory has invaded our homes. That's because Flash memory relies on trapping and releasing electrons to store information. This process takes long 10 nanoseconds, but more importantly, leads to a limited number of read/write cycles.

But PRAM technology works on a the principles of chemistry, changing a substance like chalcogenide from solid to liquid and measuring that state (similar to RW optical media, interestingly enough). Not only does this process take less time at 5ns, but it supports around 100 million write cycles. Plus, Intel is claiming their test models have a 10-year data retention rate at 85-degrees, making it feasible for archiving your pornography.

Unfortunately, it looks like Intel plans to phase in (no pun intended) the memory as RAM, not as a storage device. Tear. We want some awesome ~~solid~~ fluid state hard drives. Now! – Mark Wilson
Thanks Acacia!

Intel to Sample Phase Change Memory This Year [dailytech]

New Memory is Faster, More Efficient Than Flash

www.gizmodo.com — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 11:11:59 EST

Researchers have developed a new type of memory called "phase-change" that is 500 to 1,000 times faster than flash memory while using half the power. The implications are for instant-on computers with longer battery lives, instant-access to photos on your digital camera with longer battery life, and, you know, a fast and long-lasting MP3 player.

There's conspicuously little info on when this technology will be ready for consumer applications and exactly how much it'll cost, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that it'll be a couple years at least and it's very expensive. Here's hoping I'm wrong. –Adam Frucci

Memory chip breakthrough for electronic devices [Yahoo News]