Thursday, 15 February 2007

IBM Unveils On-Chip Dynamic Memory Technology

IBM has revealed an on-chip memory technology that features the fastest access times ever recorded in embedded Dynamic Random Access Memory (eDRAM), as per a statement issued by the company. This new technology, designed using IBM’s Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI)...

IBM has revealed an on-chip memory technology that features the fastest access times ever recorded in embedded Dynamic Random Access Memory (eDRAM), as per a statement issued by the company. This new technology, designed using IBM’s Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) for high-performance at low power, vastly improves microprocessor performance in multi-core designs and speeds the movement of graphics in gaming, networking, and other image intensive, multi-media applications, the company said.

The technology is expected to be a key feature of IBM’s 45nm (nanometer) microprocessor roadmap and will become available beginning in 2008. IBM’s new eDRAM technology, designed in stress-enabled 65nm SOI using deep trench, dramatically improves on-processor memory performance in about one-third the space with one-fifth the standby power of conventional Static Random Access Memory (SRAM).

“With this solution to the processor/memory gap, IBM is effectively doubling microprocessor performance beyond what classical scaling alone can achieve,” said Subramanian Iyer, Engineer and director of 45 nm technology development at IBM. “As semiconductor components have reached the atomic scale, design innovation at the chip-level has replaced materials science as a key factor in continuing Moore’s Law. Today’s announcement further demonstrates IBM’s role in this critical area of microprocessor design innovation.”

IBM releases include High-k, which enhances the transistor’s function while allowing it to be shrunk beyond today's limits, dual-core and multi-core microprocessors, copper on-chip wiring, silicon-on-insulator and silicon germanium transistors, strained silicon, and eFUSE, a technology that enables computer chips to automatically respond to changing conditions, IBM added.