MRAM is a type of memory that uses magnetic storage elements to store data, requiring less power than traditional electrical circuits. It is expected to become more prevalent in the next decade, with prototypes already introduced by companies like Sony, Toshiba, and NEC. MRAM has advantages over other types of memory, including the ability to retain data even when turned off.
MRAM stands for Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory. It is a technology whose time has not yet come, mainly because it has not yet been needed. Many experts believe, however, that MRAM is on the horizon and will be rolled out anytime soon.
As the name suggests, MRAM uses magnetic storage elements to store its data. Specifically, two iron plates enclose a thin insulating layer. One of these plates is a magnet set to a specific charge. The other plate is variable, allowing the polarity to change based on the attraction of external fields. A collection of these elements constitutes the MRAM memory device.
Like other RAM, MRAM is made up of data. In this case, data is written to the MRAM system using magnetic fields. Because MRAM writes and stores this data using magnetic fields rather than traditional electrical circuits, it requires much less power than other comparable memory storage systems.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM), which is the industry standard due to its higher density and price, is less attractive than MRAM due to MRAM’s ability to store and update data using minimal power and lower current. MRAM also compares favorably with flash memory in that MRAM does not degrade during writing and does not experience irregularities in read-write speed. The biggest benefit of MRAM, however, is that data is stored on the chip as long as the magnetic charge holds. Unlike electrical circuits, which lose their “memory” of data when a computer is turned off, MRAM circuits can retain data long after it’s turned off.
MRAM is on its way, many experts believe. Big companies like Sony, Toshiba and NEC have introduced prototype MRAM chips. These prototypes aren’t yet up to the speed and density specs of DRAM and Flash, but they will. Watch to see MRAM chips in the next decade or so that will power things like digital cameras, cell phones, notebook computers, cellular base stations, and even aerospace and military systems.
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