RAM Technology meets Magnetics
  01/15/2001 12:00:00 AM MT Albuquerque, Nm
  By Dustin D. Brand; Owner AMO

New Random Access Memory Technology ensures Moores Law with stored Data.   Random Access Memory or RAM (DRAM, DDRRAM, SDRAM, etc) technology is due for a boost and when Moores Law comes into the picture, this means a gigantic boost. IBM is working hard on this new kind of RAM. MRAM, or Magnetic RAM works by storing data bits in thin magnetic layers vs todays most popular RAM, SDRAM which stores data bits or memory as an electrical charge on a capacitor. Many companies including IBM, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, Honeywell, and Intel already use MRAM in various stages of development.

  MRAM promises to allow non-volatile memory without power to retain it's memory. This means in short, your memory keeps it's memory even after it doesn't have power. This new technology opens up the possibility for computers that are on immediately when power is given to them, which eliminates the need for lengthy boot up times.

  MRAM works without moving parts like DRAM and are solid state. MRAM consists of two layers of magnetic material seperated by a thin, non-magnetic metalic layer which electrons may pass. Two parallel conducting lines are laid at the top half of the ferro-magnetic sandwich. Another set of conducting lines are laid perpendicularly to the first set on the bottom half of the sandwich, resulting in a grid of conducting lines. At each point where the top and bottom lines meet represents a bit. When current is passed concurently to the top and bottom lines of the bit, data may be read or written. Once data is written it remains even when the power is no longer there, unlike on a standard SDRAM memory module.

  Limited production of MRAM (Magnetic RAM) should begin within 2 years on High-End systems, with mass production starting within 5 years.

  You heard it here first folks. Magnetic RAM may be the future of computer memory.