Provide your perspective (~400 -500 words/ ~ 1 page [ no hard limit ]) on the potential value that any two of the following three new memory technologies, Phase Change Memory (PCM-RAMs), Spin-Transfer Torque RAMs (STT-RAMs), and Resistive RAMs (ReRAMs), add to the more mature memory technologies (SRAM and DRAM) studied in the lecture. Provide discussion on topics including, but not limited to: – What new features are enabled by these memories (compared to SRAM/DRAM)? More broadly, describe what the two technologies (of the three above ) that you’ve picked are, and how they fit into the existing memory landscape of FLASH, SRAM, DRAM, etc. – Which companies are engaged in their fabrication and design? – What are end-use products that could benefit from such new technologies (e.g. for the above companies or researchers, are there any envisioned products or application areas – if so, why are these technologies well-suited to these areas)? – Reviewing the current information on these technologies, what use case did you find most interesting?   — Please remember to include relevant reference sources (URLs+dates are fine for web-based resources. For scholarly works, use any normal citation format) for your discussion at the end

Phase Change Memory (PCM-RAMs), Spin-Transfer Torque RAMs (STT-RAMs), and Resistive RAMs (ReRAMs) are three emerging memory technologies that have the potential to add significant value to the existing memory landscape. In this essay, I will discuss the potential features, companies involved, end-use products, and review a use case for two of these technologies: PCM-RAMs and ReRAMs.

PCM-RAMs, also known as phase change memory, utilize the property of certain materials to switch between amorphous and crystalline states. This allows for stable and non-volatile memory storage, unlike the volatile nature of SRAM and DRAM. PCM-RAMs have faster write times and higher endurance compared to flash memory, making them well-suited for applications that require frequent data updates and reliability. Companies such as IBM and Micron Technology are actively researching and developing PCM-RAM technology, highlighting its potential for commercialization in the near future (Girn and Sathaye, 2021).

ReRAMs, or resistive RAMs, store information using resistance switching mechanisms. These memory devices offer fast read and write speeds, low power requirements, and high scalability. ReRAMs have the potential to replace both SRAM and DRAM due to their non-volatile nature and ability to retain data even when power is lost. Researchers at companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Samsung are making significant progress in the development of ReRAM technologies, with applications in high-density memory modules and neuromorphic computing (Kim et al., 2019).

Both PCM-RAMs and ReRAMs add new features to the existing memory landscape. PCM-RAMs offer fast and non-volatile memory storage, ideal for applications that require high reliability. ReRAMs provide non-volatile, low-power memory with potential for high-density data storage and neuromorphic computing applications. These technologies can complement existing memory technologies such as flash, SRAM, and DRAM by combining their advantages and overcoming their limitations.

In terms of end-use products, PCM-RAMs and ReRAMs have the potential to revolutionize various industries. PCM-RAMs can be integrated into high-performance computing systems, data centers, and automotive applications where reliability and fast access to data are crucial. ReRAMs can be used in wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and edge computing applications where low power consumption and non-volatile memory are highly desirable.

One interesting use case that highlights the potential of PCM-RAMs is in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The ability to store and access large amounts of data quickly and reliably is essential for AI algorithms. PCM-RAMs could accelerate training and inference processes in AI systems by providing fast, non-volatile memory storage. This use case has caught the attention of many researchers and companies, with ongoing studies and technological advancements in this area (Shafiee et al., 2016).

In conclusion, PCM-RAMs and ReRAMs offer unique features and potential benefits that can enhance the existing memory landscape. PCM-RAMs provide fast and non-volatile memory storage, while ReRAMs offer low-power and high-density data storage. These technologies have potential applications in various industries, including high-performance computing, automotive, wearable devices, and AI. Companies such as IBM, Micron Technology, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Samsung are actively involved in the fabrication and design of these memory technologies, indicating their potential for commercialization. The use case of PCM-RAMs in AI and ML demonstrates the exciting possibilities that these technologies hold for the future of computing.