One of many world’s largest SSD producers simply offered a groundbreaking growth that would ultimately render the know-how out of date.
In a paper delivered in a Generative AI Focus Session, Micron – greatest recognized for its pc reminiscence and information storage options – introduced NVDRAM (non-volatile dynamic random entry reminiscence), its tackle a sort of reminiscence referred to as Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), which outperforms NAND-based SSDs by way of pace and sturdiness.
FeRAM leverages the properties of ferroelectric supplies (sometimes lead zirconate titanate) to retailer data, a departure from the normal electrical charge-based storage. This methodology presents sooner information entry and a better endurance stage in comparison with NAND flash reminiscence, generally utilized in SSDs.
A alternative for Optane
The brand new know-how can be non-volatile, which means it retains information even when the facility is turned off, much like SSDs. Nonetheless, the benefit of FeRAM is that it will probably accomplish this with out the damage and tear that SSDs famously expertise, giving it a considerably longer lifespan.
Micron describes NVDRAM as “a world’s first dual-layer, high-performance, high-density (32Gb) and stackable and nonvolatile Ferroelectric reminiscence know-how” and it’s largely considered as a observe as much as the corporate’s defunct Optane storage-class reminiscence.
Regardless of these spectacular options, this revolutionary know-how won’t be out there to customers within the close to future because of the excessive manufacturing prices related to FeRAM.
The corporate’s preliminary focus will as a substitute be on industrial functions, the place the necessity for quick, sturdy, and dependable information storage is crucial. Blocks & Recordsdata, which reported on Micron’s new know-how, says: “We’d envisage that Micron is already exploring business prospects with potential server companions and huge scale Gen AI customers.”
However, Micron’s foray into FeRAM may mark a major milestone within the evolution of information storage know-how and it is anticipated {that a} CXL-accessed NVDRAM product may very well be on the horizon.
