NEC Develops World's Fastest MRAM

Gary writes to tell us that NEC has developed a new SRAM compatible MRAM. The new memory module is capable of speeds up to 250MHz, the world's fastest to date. "MRAM are expected to generate new value and applications for future electronic devices thanks to their nonvolatility, unlimited write endurance, high speed operation, and ability to cut memory power dissipation in half. For example, these features could enable instant start up of PCs and prevent drive recorders from losing data after a sudden break in power in the future. As substitutes for system LSI-embedded SRAM, MRAM can provide even more value as they are expected to enable extremely low power dissipation of system LSIs because they can sleep when they are not in use and wake up instantly."

I hope...

[Anonymous Coward]

I hope MRAM catches on and sets the world on fire, becoming cheaper than flash.

It's just better all around, especially because there isn't limited write endurance like flash has, and because of the speed, and because it's easier to drive (than, say, flash).

"But AC! There is wear levelling! Flash write limits are no longer relevant!"

If you have gobs of flash, sure. Not so in embedded devices however. And in those cases MRAM can easily replace battery backed ram. YEIGH!

Re:Hooray!

[inviolet]

For example, these features could enable instant start up of PCs and prevent drive recorders from losing data after a sudden break in power in the future. As substitutes for system LSI-embedded SRAM, MRAM can provide even more value as they are expected to enable extremely low power dissipation of system LSIs because they can sleep when they are not in use and wake up instantly."

Now we can throw a rootkit into memory and have it chill there forever!

On a related note, non-volatile system memory will completely change the game for forensics experts. Right now, when they come and grab your computers, all memory contents are lost... and clever people also disable the swapfile. With MRAM, all that is out the window.

Watch for a new meme in the next years, categorizing the use of volatile RAM as a presumption of guilt.

Re:Hooray!

[randyest]

At 250MHz I don't think MRAM will be replacing your system SDRAM anytime soon (since it's probably 2-3x that if you have a relatively recent system.) But your point is interesting -- when the ASICs and chipsets all over your mobo and peripherals have MRAM in them, the forensics guys will have a field day reading that data you thought wasn't being recorded at all :)

Re:MRAM Solid State Hard Drives

[Anonymous Coward]

Be honest, I think the limited write cycles of your wallet are the real reason that's kept you from trying one.

Re:MRAM Solid State Hard Drives

[Courageous]

The only issue here is whether this is too expensive to have 100Gig+ bulk memory... but if that's the case then it would be too expensive for a "Solid State Hard Drive" anyway.

Your conclusion paints a false dichotomy, with the unstated assumption being that any form of SSD technology has to at least be as expensive as RAM. This assumption appears unmerited, from direct observation of buyable SSD's today...

C//

Re:Get me off these spinning platters.

[Chirs]

You forgot, "they're expensive and low capacity".

Give it time....

Re:MRAM Solid State Hard Drives

[Seraphim1982]

Your conclusion paints a false dichotomy, with the unstated assumption being that any form of SSD technology has to at least be as expensive as RAM.

How does he do that?

As far as I can tell he states:
1) If this technology is expensive might be suitable for RAM, but not for SSDs
2) If this technology is cheap, it might be suitable for SSDs but would also be suitable for RAM, so remove the disk/ram distinction and have one large bank that acts as both

Re:MRAM Solid State Hard Drives

[Courageous]

Oh. Rereading, I see I misunderstood. But according to Slashdot, I'm 'Insightful'.

*chortle*

C//