The device could replace the $100bn market for Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), which is the ‘working memory’ of computers, as well as the long-term memory in flash drives
A new type of computer memory which could solve the digital technology energy crisis has been invented and patented by Lancaster scientists.
The electronic memory device – described in research published in Scientific Reports – promises to transform daily life with its ultra-low energy consumption.
In the home, energy savings from efficient lighting and appliances have been completely wiped out by increased use of computers and gadgets, and by 2025 a ‘tsunami of data’ is expected to consume a fifth of global electricity.
But this new device would immediately reduce peak power consumption in data centres by a fifth.
It would also allow, for example, computers which do not need to boot up and could instantaneously and imperceptibly go into an energy-saving sleep mode – even between key stokes.
The device is the realisation of the search for a “Universal Memory” which has preoccupied scientists and engineers for decades.
Physics Professor Manus Hayne of Lancaster University said: “Universal Memory, which has robustly stored data that is easily changed, is widely considered to be unfeasible, or even impossible, but this device demonstrates its contradictory properties.”
A US patent has been awarded for the electronic memory device with another patent pending, while several companies have expressed an interest or are actively involved in the research.
The inventors of the device used quantum mechanics to solve the dilemma of choosing between stable, long-term data storage and low-energy writing and erasing.
The device could replace the $100bn market for Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), which is the ‘working memory’ of computers, as well as the long-term memory in flash drives.
While writing data to DRAM is fast and low-energy, the data is volatile and must be continuously ‘refreshed’ to avoid it being lost: this is clearly inconvenient and inefficient. Flash stores data robustly, but writing and erasing is slow, energy intensive and deteriorates it, making it unsuitable for working memory.
Professor Hayne said: “The ideal is to combine the advantages of both without their drawbacks, and this is what we have demonstrated. Our device has an intrinsic data storage time that is predicted to exceed the age of the Universe, yet it can record or delete data using 100 times less energy than DRAM.”
Learn more: Discovery of a “Holy Grail” with the invention of universal computer memory
The Latest on: Universal computer memory
via Google News
The Latest on: Universal computer memory
- From Floppies to Solid State: The Evolution of PC Storage Mediaon August 3, 2022 at 9:32 am
Remember Jaz and Zip discs? Since the debut of the IBM PC, there have been many ways to store your data, and if you're geeks like us, you care about this sort of thing.
- 64 Things That Are Really, Really Comfortable On Amazonon August 3, 2022 at 4:15 am
I’ve always loved comfortable things. I have more robes and throw blankets than I know what to do with. But after I got my own place and hit year four of working 100% from home, comfort became a ...
- Samsung Electronics Unveils Far-Reaching, Next-Generation Memory Solutions at Flash Memory Summit 2022on August 2, 2022 at 4:03 pm
Samsung Electronics, the world leader in advanced memory technology, today unveiled an array of next-generation memory and storage technologies during Flash Memory Summit 2022, held at the Santa Clara ...
- How smartphone use could improve memory: studyon August 2, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Story at a glance Using digital devices to store vital information could clear the mental space to recall less important things. Researchers at University College London found that ...
- Time for an ExpressVPN Mac update: Latest version compatible with M-series chipson August 2, 2022 at 11:43 am
ExpressVPN for Mac uses a universal binary code, so even older Macs can use the program with any issues. Other important feathers of ExpressVPN for Mac include servers in 94 different countries, ...
- Mobiveil, Flash Memory Summit Gold Sponsor, to Showcase Broad Portfolio of Silicon IP, Platforms and Engineering Services for SSD Developmenton August 2, 2022 at 8:00 am
Will Present “IP and Engineering Services for SSD Development” at FMS TheaterSANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobiveil, Inc. will highlight its broad portfolio of silicon ...
- EXPERIENCES OF RACISM ASSOCIATED WITH POOR MEMORY, INCREASED COGNITIVE DECLINEon August 1, 2022 at 7:00 am
Experiences of structural, interpersonal and institutional racism are associated with lower memory scores and worse cognition in midlife and old age, especially among Black individuals, according to ...
- What is a Memory Café? Taunton COA wants to smash the stigma around memory losson July 29, 2022 at 1:00 am
TAUNTON — Taunton is a friendly and supportive place for people suffering from dementia and other forms of memory loss, said Charlene Bonenfant, director of the city’s Council on Aging (COA) and ...
- Emerging Memory Technologies Market Forecast Report | Global Demand And Trend Analysis Research Report By 2028on July 25, 2022 at 6:42 am
Market Trends – Increasing demand for universal memory devices ” — Emergen Research VANCOUVER, BC, UNITED STATES, July 25, 2022 /EINPresswire.com / -- Emergen research's latest document ...
- Four key need-to-knows about CXLon July 20, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Compute Express Link will pool multiple types of memory and so allow much higher memory capacities and the possibility of rapidly composable infrastructure to meet the needs of varied workloads.
via Bing News