Researchers come up with universal memory that could replace both DRAM and NAND

Researchers from the University of Lancaster present a new type of universal memory that could replace both DRAM and NAND. The memory seems like the holy grail, it is non-volatile, fast, and low-voltage. The research paper mentions the proposed memory uses 100 times less energy than DRAM to record or delete date. Furthermore, the device has an intrinsic data storage time that is predicted to exceed the age of the Universe!

It would also allow, for example, computers which do not need to boot up and could instantaneously and imperceptibly go into an energy-saving sleep mode -- even between key stokes.

The device is the realisation of the search for a "Universal Memory" which has preoccupied scientists and engineers for decades.

Physics Professor Manus Hayne of Lancaster University said: "Universal Memory, which has robustly stored data that is easily changed, is widely considered to be unfeasible, or even impossible, but this device demonstrates its contradictory properties."

Interesting discovery, but it remains to be seen whether it can be successfully commercialized. There are no details about data density nor performance.

Via: ScienceDaily