'Universal memory' breakthrough brings the next generation of computers 1 step closer to major speed boost

By Keumars Afifi-Sabet
published 2 days ago

Universal memory promises to replace both RAM and flash storage in computers with a better, faster and more energy-efficient alternative — and researchers have just moved this one step closer to reality.


Universal computer memory that's both super-fast and energy efficient is one step closer to reality after scientists built an "extremely" stable prototype using a completely new material.

The new material, dubbed "GST467," which contains germanium, antimony and terbium, was used as one repeating layer in a stacked-layer structure, known as a superlattice, and could pave the way for universal memory that can replace both short- and long-term storage. It can also be faster, cheaper and less power-intensive, scientists said in a study published Jan. 22 in the journal Nature.

Computers today use short-term memory, like random access memory (RAM) and long-term flash memory — such as solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard drives — for different purposes. RAM is fast but needs a significant amount of physical space and a constant power supply, meaning its data vanishes when the computer has been turned off. Flash memory, on the other hand, retains data without needing power and is much denser, but it's slower than RAM at transferring its stored data to the processor.

Several technical hurdles remain before a universal memory that combines the speed of RAM and the long-term memory of flash storage is commercially viable. But this prototype is as close as anybody has come, the scientists wrote in their paper.

More:
https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/universal-memory-breakthrough-replaces-ram-flash-next-generation-of-computers-major-speed-boost