Intel and STMicroelectronics have announced the world's first phase change memory (PCM) prototype and they've shipped the first chips to partners for evaluation. The memory device, code-named Alverstone, is based on the PCM technology and offers substantially better performance and lower power consumption than current flash memory products. It's a 128Mbit chip made with 90nm technology. Future products are expected to sport much higher capacity and will become a corner-stone of the jointly owned company Numonyx.
At the same time, the two have presented the world's first multi-level cell (MLC) using PCM technology. MLC brings superior density over single cells at a low cost, but unfortunately there is a performance penalty.
"This is the most significant non-volatile memory advancement in 40 years," said Ed Doller, chief technology officer-designate of Numonyx, the new name for the pending STMicroelectronics and Intel flash memory company. "There have been plenty of attempts to find and develop new non-volatile memory technologies, yet of all the concepts, PCM provides the most compelling solution – and Intel and STMicroelectronics are delivering PCM into the hands of customers today. This is an important milestone for the industry and for our companies."
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