ULTRARAM nears production promising DRAM-like speeds and NAND-like persistence
ULTRARAM promises the world, but can it deliver?
QUINAS technology has confirmed that it is getting ready to start producing its ULTRARAM technology, a candidate for “universal memory”. With DRAM-like speeds and NAND-like persistence, ULTRARAM could be the perfect memory product for the next generation of computing. Better still, this new memory type promises to be exceptionally efficient, with Quinas saying that its smallest devices switch “at 100 ns at energies of <1 femtojoule, which is lower than any known memory device.”
By working alongside IQE plc, ULTRARAM is nearing production. What was once a Lancaster University research project is becoming a reality. However, it remains to be seen whether this new memory type can be produced reliably and cost-effectively. Now, Quinas and IQE are exploring options to industrialise their memory manufacturing process further and start pilot production with foundries and strategic partners.
We have successfully achieved our goal of developing a scalable epitaxy process for ULTRARAM, a milestone towards industrial production of packaged chips. This project represents a unique opportunity to bring the next generation of compound semiconductor materials to life in the UK.
– Jutta Meier, CEO of IQE to Bits and Chips
(ULTRARAM Diagram – Quinas)
ULTRARAM’s claims to offer everything that users should want from their memory. Low energy use, non-volatility, and durability that is reportedly 4,000 times better than NAND. If this memory can be produced in a cost-effective way, it could revolutionise computing.
Sadly, we only need to look at Intel Optane to see how good memory technology can be ruined by economics. Optane/XPoint memory never became cost-effective enough to have a long-term impact on the storage/memory market. Even today, Optane SSDs are highly regarded for their exceptional performance levels. However, this memory was never cost-effective enough to replace DRAM or NAND memory.
The future of ULTRARAM is unclear. It is undoubtedly a technology that has potential. However, potential is meaningless if it doesn’t prove to be commercially viable.
You can join the discussion on Quinas’ ULTRARAM tech on the OC3D Forums.
