The Future of Memory - MRAM

Searching_ _ _ · Jan 28, 2009

MRAM Wikipedia said:

Since the capacitors used in DRAM lose their charge over time, memory assemblies using them must periodically refresh all the cells in their chips approximately 1000 times a second, reading each one and re-writing its contents. This demands a constant power supply, which is why DRAM loses its memory when power is turned off on the computer. As DRAM cells decrease in size, the refresh cycles become shorter, and the power draw more continuous.

In contrast, MRAM requires no refresh at any time. Not only does this mean it retains its memory with the power turned off, but also that there is no constant power draw. While the read process theoretically requires more power than the same process in a DRAM, in practice the difference appears to be very close to zero. However, the write process requires more power in order to overcome the existing field stored in the junction, varying from three to eight times the power required during reading.[5][6] Although the exact amount of power savings depends on the nature of the work – more frequent writing will require more power – in general MRAM proponents expect much lower power consumption (up to 99% less) compared to DRAM. STT-based MRAMs eliminate the difference between reading and writing, further reducing power requirements.

It is also worth comparing MRAM with another common memory system, Flash RAM. Like MRAM, Flash does not lose its memory when power is removed, which makes it very common as a "hard disk replacement" in small devices such as digital audio players or digital cameras. When used for reading, Flash and MRAM are very similar in power requirements. However, Flash is re-written using a large pulse of voltage (about 10 V) that is stored up over time in a charge pump, which is both power-hungry and time consuming. Additionally the current pulse physically degrades the Flash cells, which means Flash can only be written to some finite number of times before it must be replaced.

In contrast, MRAM requires only slightly more power to write than read, and no change in the voltage, eliminating the need for a charge pump. This leads to much faster operation, lower power consumption, and an indefinitely long "lifetime".
...
IBM researchers have demonstrated MRAM devices with access times on the order of 2 ns, somewhat better than even the most advanced DRAMs built on much newer processes.
Click to expand...

Disadvantages:
Price per MegaByte; They won't be replacing the RAM in your computer any time soon.
$30,000 for 1 gig of ram makes it outside my price range.
Limited production sizes
All Malware is Persistent

Advantages:
Persistence; Your OS would be instantly accessable when turned on. No boot time. Any data, like that novel you were writing, would not have to be saved before turning off the PC.
While the information remains persistent in MRAM with no current, it does require 3 to 5 times more current for a write or erase of a memory region compared to DRAM.
Smaller than DRAM
Faster than DRAM
99% less total energy usage than DRAM.
Currently MRAM is only being produced in 4Mbit and smaller. A Megabit(Mb) is not equivilent to a megabyte(MB); 1 Megabit is equal to about 125,000 bytes. The 4Mbit size would only be a replacement for say BIOS inside the personal computer. Prices for the Everspin 4Mb MRAM chips are about $15 each @ 10k quantities, making the price about $30 per megabyte.

http://everspin.com/
Wikipedia MRAM

TechOutsider · Jan 28, 2009

This everlasting quest for speed is just not winnable. That's why I am satisfied with my boot time, and in that case, every single piece of hardware on my somewhat capable computer.

Searching_ _ _ · Jan 28, 2009

It's not just a question of speed, it's speed and density barriers they're trying to over come.

I am sure that when it's common place, you'll have MRAM too Techoutsider.

I guess you wouldn't be interested in plastic memory where 1s and 0s are blue and green laser light.

elapsed · Jan 28, 2009

Well you know what, I like the fact RAM is lost when the power goes. I hope this is the way it is always kept. I don't want another hard drive, I want a workspace I can throw away when I'm done.

Now RAM which is lost but uses less power, I'm all for!

Mrkvonic · Jan 29, 2009

In 10 years time, computers will be running mram and ss hard disks ... it will be fun ... especially 3d virtualization We're at the beginning of the fun stuff, just like people with radio and tv were 100 years ago, and we don't realize it.
Mrk

TechOutsider · Jan 29, 2009

When it's mainstream, I'll consider it. Now, it's just a pipe dream.

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