Micron
Technology Inc. and Singapore’s A*STAR Data Storage Institute (DSI) jointly
announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement to collaborate
on the development of spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory
(STT-MRAM), a promising alternative non-volatile memory technology for
next-generation storage.
Current
commercial solid state drives (SSDs) use NAND Flash memory, a type of
non-volatile memory, to store data. Demand for these types of drives has been
increasing rapidly. SSDs, unlike hard disk drives (HDDs), contain no moving
parts and are less susceptible to physical shock and vibration than HDDs. SSDs
are also capable of retaining their memory without power and are very durable.
However, as the memory industry continues to scale NAND Flash memory, it sees
issues such as limited endurance and high write power. Therefore, the industry
is currently researching alternative non-volatile memory solutions such as
STT-MRAM. STT-MRAM also has potential to address technology scaling roadmap
challenges of volatile memory such as Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and hence can greatly
enhance the performance for many volatile memory applications as well.
As
part of the collaboration, Micron and DSI will invest in joint research to
develop high-density STT-MRAM devices during the next three years. Researchers
from both Micron and DSI will work together to develop high-density STT-MRAM
devices.
“Micron
is actively working on multiple emerging memory development programs, and we
are pleased to collaborate with DSI to explore the potential of STT-MRAM,”
says Scott DeBoer, Micron vice president of research and development.
“DSI
is excited about this collaboration with Micron. It signifies our progressive
success in attracting the world’s best to develop an R&D ecosystem in Singapore for
next generation non-volatile memory,” says Pantelis Alexopoulos, executive
director of DSI. “I believe this is a good opportunity for DSI, as we
combine our technological expertise in STT-MRAM with Micron’s expertise in
memory product development in an advanced fabrication facility.”
Micron Technology
Inc.,
www.micron.com
