First Fully Functional Flexible Memory Unveiled
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced that it has developed a "fully flexible" non-volatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) device.
According to a press release, a research team was able to integrate a memristor, which is considered to be a possible material for next-generation memory elements, with a high-performance single-crystal silicon transistor on flexible substrates. The result was a fully functional memory that enabled writing, reading and erasing of data.
The scientists said that their discovery showed for the first time that transistors built on plastic substrates can achieve a performance level that is good enough to be considered for computer memory devices. Keon Jae Lee from KAIST's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said that the "result represents an exciting technology with the strong potential to realize all flexible electronic systems for the development of a freely bendable and attachable computer in the near future."
There was no information about the performance of the memory or the manufacturing of the device. The research was published in the October issue of Nana Letters ACS.
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Douglas Perry was a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering semiconductors, storage technology, quantum computing, and processor power delivery. He has authored several books and is currently an editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
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WyomingKnott What use is flexible memory? This is a proof of concept for something, but I can't figure out what.Reply -
mouse24 lostmyclantoms please remove that junkie of adds in the words... this is a pain in the as sReply
I see no ads, maybe try using Adblock+?
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icepick314 mouse24I see no ads, maybe try using Adblock+?Reply
unless he's on IE....then you're just fucked.... -
house70 WyomingKnottWhat use is flexible memory? This is a proof of concept for something, but I can't figure out what.Couple days ago I read about the flexible input display from Nokia; this could be used in the same applications, ultimately towards devices that can be shaped by users depending on their needs.Reply -
mcpcna01 This opens up devices of new shapes in areas and places like equipment, appliances that allow them to look good without forcing shape restrictions.Reply -
nordlead WyomingKnottWhat use is flexible memory? This is a proof of concept for something, but I can't figure out what.There are a lot of potential uses. People always talk about computers built in clothes, and something like this would make it more comfortable. You also have the super thin displays that are flexible and can be rolled up. You could theoretically make an entire computer than can roll up.Reply
Not a lot of uses for general PCs though. -
memadmax This has potential use in alot of applications, aerospace being one of them. Ultralight, thin, perfect for light aircraft and spacecraft.Reply -
house70 I would not count this as the first flexible memory, though... that would be the paper sheet.Reply -
bucknutty WyomingKnottWhat use is flexible memory? This is a proof of concept for something, but I can't figure out what.Reply
Imagine the memory of smart phone being a thin piece of plastic film applied to part of the case. If you don’t have to design around a specific size or shape chip, but instead could shape the chip to any thing you want that leaves you options to make the phone more fun looking, or to make more room for battery or cooling or cpu. Imagine this in tablets or laptops. It could be lighter and smaller and be applied like ribbon cable with only a bit of sticky.