Nanotube-based memory: every DVD ever made on your laptop?

Filed in archive Computing & Infotech on December 31, 2005

Nanotube-based/ Nonvolatile RAM (NRAM) by Nantero is bringing the idea of " universal memory " , which experts estimate could make it possible within 20 years to fit the content of all the DVDs ever made on your laptop computer, within reach. NRAM is a form of memory each of whose cells is made of carbon nanotubes, each less than one-ten-thousandth the width of a human hair, and Nantero claims to be the first company to actively develop semiconductor products using carbon nanotubes.

The company's objective is to deliver a product that will replace all existing forms of memory, such as DRAM, SRAM and flash memory, with NRAM (Nanotube-based/ Nonvolatile RAM) serving as universal memory. The potential applications for the nonvolatile memory Nantero is developing are extensive and include the ability to enable instant-on computers and to replace the memory in devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, and PDAs, as well as applications in the networking arena.

Nantero has partnered with chip makers such as Milpitas, CA based LSI Logic to integrate its nanotube memory with silicon circuitry, and expects its partners to have produced samples of nanotube memory chips by late 2006. (image from physicsweb.org) more, including video of NRAM operation @ nantero.com