Flash technology paves the way for next generation memories
Next generation memories are the emerging non-volatile memory technologies, which are expected to replace existing memories.
However, according to Researchandmarkets.com's report, "Global Next Generation Memory Market (2012 -2017), By Technology (DRAM, SRAM, Flash Memory, Memristor, Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM), Phase Change RAM (PCRAM), Ferroelectric RAM), Application & Geography", not all existing memories will be replaced.
Next generation memories mainly target the non-volatile memories such as NAND and NOR. High write and read latency, scalability, high endurance etc. make emerging memories the best replacement for traditional non-volatile memories.
Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain stored information even when not powered. Examples include read-only memory, flash memory, ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), most types of magnetic computer storage devices (e.g. hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape), optical discs, and early computer storage methods such as paper tape and punched cards.
Next generation memory technologies covered in the report are MRAM, PCRAM, FeRAM and memristor also known as ReRAM. Of these memories, only MRAM and FeRAM have reasonable market share and they are quite well established in the commercial market. PCRAM currently has a marginal market share and memristor is set to enter the market by the end of 2013.
The major drivers for the next generation memory market are faster switching time, high endurance and power efficiency. What's more, the huge application base of traditional memories will also become the driver for this market.
Since these memories are not completely established, there are still flaws in processes which cause drawbacks like instability and low write endurance rate in some of the memories. As mentioned, these memories will be the replacement for flash memories in the near future. The flash market has already tapped the huge market and hence it makes the way for next generation memories.
The major issue for next generation memories is design cost. Since all the processes have not yet been optimised, the cost of the process and design is relatively high. However, early adoption of these memories will be the game changing strategy for the memory market.
Most of the next generation memories are also referred to as Universal memory' ; they perform both volatile and non-volatile functions. So the early adoption of such memories will be crucial to companies active in the memory market.
