PRAM: Phase-Change Random Access Memory
Hardware
Group 2
Bonnie Rowe, Noel Kurtz, James Baker, Cameron Ford
Key Words: RAM, Phase-Change, Nonvolatile, Flash Memory
The new technology that we found is a hardware device. The device is a new type of storage called, PRAM (Phase-Change Random Access Memory). Its main features are nonvolatile and faster storage capabilities. It also has a longer lifespan and at this point in time a storage capacity of 512 mb. This product is geared toward battery operated devices such as laptops, PDAs, etc.
Phase Change Technology was developed by Ovonyx and they licensed the use of PRAM to SAMSUNG. PRAM is a new device that is expected to replace hard drives with a low-power consumption flash memory device which will be capable of instant hibernation. This device also has a greater read/write lifespan by ten times. The only concern is about the power consumption, which at this time is unknown, but hopefully the consumption will be low considering the fact that the device is geared toward battery operated devices. The storage capacity of this device is 512 mb, but they are hoping to eventually have a greater capacity. Not only is PRAM a nonvolatile storage device (keep stored work even if power is lost), but it also takes fewer steps to manufacture (roughly 20% less). Even though it is cheaper to manufacture it will probably cost more to purchase.
PRAM will not only help with personal computers by allowing faster and better storage, but it will also help in the business world. Phase-Change Random Access Memory will help greatly in the business world by allowing faster storage of information, which in this day and age of instant gratification is a huge advantage. Not only can PRAM be used on the individual employee computers but also on mainframes and networks. This will allow for better storage and a better network connection for employees. Because of the fast storage one employee will be able to store information quickly and another employee will be able to retrieve it just as quickly. This will also help on the national business level, by allowing a better and faster way to store programs used in everyday business activities, such as telecommunication programs.
In conclusion this device will not only change our lives individually but it will also change the way we do business. Because PRAM is a faster way to store information it will be a great innovation in the technology world and in the world of instant gratification so many of us live in today. This device could possible change the way we view storage on a computer, in a database, on a network, or even on a PDA. Because of that businesses will be able to conduct business faster and more efficiently.
References
Samsung. SAMSUNG Introduces the Next Generation of Nonvolatile Memory- PRAM.
Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease
/PressRelease.asp?seq= 20060911_0000286481
Wikipedia. PHASE- Change Memory. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://en.wikipedi
a.org/wiki/Phase-change_memory
ZDnet Blogs. Perfect RAM flash memory opens the way to faster devices. Retrieved September
12, 2006, from http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=93