Memory technology still has the capacity to make your jaw drop, and the idea of a chip on which you can store five DVD-resolution movies is truly jaw-dropping.
But this is the capacity of Samsung’s 64Gbit prototype NAND flash chip which is made on a 30nm process, and is slated for production in a couple of years’ time.
It’s a multi-level cell device which will be fabricated using double patterning on conventional immersion scanners.
That, says Samsung, means it could make the chip in volume production, in existing fabs, with currently available production equipment.
It must send shivers up the spines of those pursuing alternative memory technologies like MRAM and Phase-Change which are still some way away from getting to the Gbit density level.
Not just MRAM and Phase-Change! How long before memory sticks replace DVDs and CDs? What then for all the manufacturers of the various componants for DVD and CD players?Don't think it won't happen! Once memories of this size are in the market-place I would think it inevitable.
Still, maybe it will allow a higher quality reproduction of sound than digital systems have so far delivered.