The explosion of
flash memory technology has dramatically increased storage capacity and
decreased the cost of non-volatile semiconductor memory. The technology has
fueled the proliferation of USB flash drives and is now poised to replace
magnetic hard disks in some applications. A solid state drive (SSD) is a
non-volatile memory system that emulates a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD). SSDs
do not contain any moving parts, however, and depend on flash memory chips to
store data. With proper design, an SSD is able to provide high data transfer
rates, low access time, improved tolerance to shock and vibration, and reduced
power consumption. For some applications, the improved performance and
durability outweigh the higher cost of an SSD relative to an HDD.
Using flash memory as a
hard disk replacement is not without challenges. The nano-scale of the memory
cell is pushing the limits of semiconductor physics. Extremely thin insulating
glass layers are necessary for proper operation of the memory cells. These layers
are subjected to stressful temperatures and voltages, and their insulating
properties deteriorate over time. Quite simply, flash memory can wear out.
Fortunately, the wear-out physics are well understood and data management
strategies are used to compensate for the limited lifetime of flash memory.
Flash memory was invented
by Dr. Fujio Masuoka while working for Toshiba in 1984. The name
"flash" was suggested because the process of erasing the memory
contents reminded him of the flash of a camera. Flash memory chips store data
in a large array of floating gate metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) transistors.
Silicon wafers are manufactured with microscopic transistor dimension, now
approaching 40 nanometers.
Intel Corporation
introduces its highly anticipated third-generation solid-state drive (SSD) the
Intel Solid-State Drive 320 Series. Based on its industry-leading 25-nanometer
(nm) NAND flash memory, the Intel SSD 320 replaces and builds on its
high-performing Intel X25-M SATA SSD. Delivering more performance and uniquely
architected reliability features, the new Intel SSD 320 offers new higher
capacity models, while taking advantage of cost benefits from its 25nm process
with an up to 30 percent price reduction over its current generation.
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