A Nonvolatile Memory

By Raul Bernardino

Today’s computing systems memories can be explained in two different classes. They are: the first class is a volatile memories and the second class is a non-volatile memories.

The volatile memories classes are hundred per cent relay on electricity power. This memory technology will be losing a data or information, whenever power removed from its computing systems or it devices. Therefore, it is require a permanent power to remain data availability. Most of today random access memories (RAMs) are classify as volatile.

Non-volatile memory (NVM) class will be not losing any data information when where the system or device power goes off. The data remains available. It cans insert or remove from computer system without losing any information, e.g. hard disk, flash disk, compact disk, DVDs, etc.

Non-volatile memory devices are constructed with metal oxide silicon (MOS) transistors which are having sources, drains, accesses or a control gates, and a floating gates. The data information is stored in the floating gate and it is retained even when the power goes off. All floating gate memories have the same generic of cell structure. Typically, floating gate devices are used in electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Base on this implementation of technology, the computer system architect designer will looking the way to improve.

Non-volatile random access memory is computer memory technology which has developed since 1990s. One of the IBM products is magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) which is classifying as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) technology. However, technology is continuing increase in the market namely flash RAM, SRAM and DRAM. I believe that the advantages are so overwhelming that magneto-resistive RAM will eventually become dominant for all types of memory, and they are becoming a true universal memory.

I believe computer that the architects and designers will be designing a RAM where it will be using more magneto-resistive in their designs. Additionally, this technology will lead to less electrical consumption and computer will be cheaper in the market.

Bibliography:

• Jitu J. Makwana, Dr. Dieter K. Schroder (2004) A Nonvolatile Memory Overview [Internet]. Available from: http://aplawrence.com/Makwana/nonvolmem.html ( Accessed: 8 February 2013 )
• Freescale semiconductor Data Sheet [Internet]. Available from: http://www.freescale.com/files/microcontrollers/doc/data_sheet/MR2A16A.pdf (Accessed: 8 February 2013)
• Barry Hoberman (2007) The Emergence of Practical MRAM, -‘the winner of novel price in physic’, Crocus Technologies [Internet]. Available from: http://www.crocus-technology.com/pdf/BH%20GSA%20Article.pdf ( Accessed: 8 February 2013 )