Intel, Numonyx achieve important phase change memory research milestone

Intel and Numonyx announced on Wednesday that they have reached a breakthrough in the research of phase change memory (PCM), a new non-volatile memory technology that has many benefits when compared with current solid state memories. Researchers have demonstrated a 64Mb test chip that enables the ability to stack or place, multiple layers of PCM arrays within a single die. PCM is based on a radical approach to “remembering” – one that involves no electrons – just a physical change in the substrate material that yields a closed or open circuit. Once embedded in a true cross point array, layered arrays are combined with CMOS circuits for decoding, sensing and logic functions.