Memory Evolution

Submitted by Spin Memory, Inc. USING MRAM IN PLACE OF SRAM LOWER COST, LOWER ENERGY, NON-VOLATILE, AND RAD HARD Systems-on-chip (SoCs) rely heavily on SRAM technology for high-speed access to frequently used data. SRAM is ubiquitous: probably every SoC, ASSP and processor uses SRAM, and, for a number of devices — processors in particular — the majority of the total die area may be occupied by SRAM. Performance is SRAM’s primary benefit, and it comes at the expense of both die area and power. An SRAM memory is very large compared to most other types of memory: for the same Read More

By the Hyperstone Team  1.  Abstract This paper explains the different dimensions that are used to classify performance in flash storage. It will highlight the difference between crucial performance numbers and explain why these numbers should only be considered as a rough point of reference. The reasons for this are the various factors that influence read and write performance separately. These are explained throughout the paper. 2.  Introduction Performance of storage systems such as flash memory cards or Solid State Drives refers to the amount of data that can be transferred in a given amount of time. It is often Read More

Why despite two years and counting of mega-mergers, there are still many opportunities for growth and profit. Over the last two years, the semiconductor industry has been swamped by a wave of consolidations. The cumulative transaction value of chip-related mergers during this time topped an eye-popping $200 billion. In terms of dollars spent on deals, the 2015-2016 yearly average is nearly five times that of the previous biggest ever year, 2011 ($23 billion). And of course Mentor Graphics was no stranger to the phenomenon, having been acquired by Siemens AG for $4.5 billion in deal that was finalized this spring. Read More

Semiconductors are at the very heart of technology development Overview: Key Semiconductor Industry Trends The automation trend, including the Internet of Things, presents a big opportunity for the semiconductor industry, as demand for related technologies has grown rapidly. In particular, the automotive industry (including self-driving cars) is a key investment area for semiconductor companies, as demand generated from advanced driver assistance systems, electric drive systems, in-vehicle infotainment systems, etc. is expected to soar. Ongoing IoT adoption across industries has lead to a widened customer base for semiconductor companies. It is vital that semiconductor companies work intimately with related customer segments Read More

Over the past  30  years  processor  development  has  been  on  a  tremendous  path.  Transistor densities rose according to Moore’s Law,  and  the  clock  frequencies of  processors and  their cores  are  now in the 4 GHz range. Due to  the vast number of transistors available on a reasonably-sized   die even processors intended for consumer devices have  at least 4 cores, and usually Level 1, Level     2 and oftentimes even Level 3 Caches. Unfortunately, the development of  memory,  particularly DRAM, has focused more on density than on performance, forcing the use of ever more levels of ever-larger caches to hide the disparities Read More

Modern manufacturing has often ignored lessons that internet companies and children have known for a long time. For the moment let us discuss these self-contained systems of anomalies in regards to our children. In many ways a child’s brain works extremely well, without many of the common cognitive biases that we gain as adults. Without those biases they expose themselves to dangers, but also learn at a rate faster than adults do most of their lives. The brain goes through a fifteen year cycle where neurons are shed and pruned. Anomalies that are discovered in childhood become the fixed ideas Read More

It all starts with memory and storage as two trends in information technology change the nature of the enterprise data center. One is the Internet of Things (IoT), the other the emergence of the cloud. Data generated by IoT devices are causing data centers to scale rapidly and evolve while continuing to serve their online customers. After all, downtime is not an option in a 24/7 always-on world. The explosion of IoT-connected devices and digital services are generating massive amounts of new data. To make this data useful, it must be stored and analyzed quickly, creating challenges for service providers Read More