New type of embedded memory takes up half space and uses less energy

A novel design that slashes the amount of silicon needed for a given amount of storage by 50%, while reducing the power requirement at the same time. The system developed by the EPFL and BIU researchers arranges the transistors in a different way that uses shortcuts to save a considerable amount of space and energy. Their memory—called GC-eDRAM—needs only two or three transistors to store a bit of data, compared with six or eight in conventional SRAM. That frees up space on chips to add more memory, or to make them smaller so there's more room for other components. It also reduces the amount of power needed to process a given amount of data.

Over the past decade there have been major advancements in computing logic but no revolutionary developments in embedded memories. The GC-eDRAM team developed just as small and powerful as other types, but it can be easily integrated into standard processes. They have already obtained seven patents for their work and are in the process of creating a startup, RAAAM, to market their technology to semiconductor-industry heavyweights. The team has already worked with top-tier semiconductor manufacturers to test their GC-eDRAM, running trials on 16 nm to 180 nm chips containing around a dozen integrated circuits with an embedded memory capacity of up to 1 Mb. The startup plans to sell its technology through license agreements. The technology is being marketed through a new spin-off called RAAAM.

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