Monday, March 31, 2003
Flash Memory Nearing End Of Its Life?
Posted by Ed Hansberry in "ARTICLE" @ 08:00 AM
http://news.com.com/2009-1040-994240.html?tag=fd_lede1_hed
"Flash memory--the chip technology used to store data and applications inside cell phones, industrial equipment and portable memory cards--is facing a growing crisis, say engineers, analysts and semiconductor executives. Although demand is strong, it will become increasingly difficult to shrink flash memory chips after 2005."
The article goes on to discuss alternatives. Of course, I've been hearing for years that microprocessors would run out of steam since 1990 but they always seem to find a way to increase their power.
There was also an interesting, and disturbing, comment on NAND Flash ROM. "By betting on NAND flash--a type of flash memory that differs from the NOR flash that has dominated the market for years--Samsung Semiconductor went from the eighth-largest flash maker in 2001 to the world's No. 2 manufacturer in 2002." :roll:
I guess NAND memory is ok, but Pocket PC makers need to start pumping out 128MB and higher devices to compensate for the usable RAM lost in a NAND device.
"Flash memory--the chip technology used to store data and applications inside cell phones, industrial equipment and portable memory cards--is facing a growing crisis, say engineers, analysts and semiconductor executives. Although demand is strong, it will become increasingly difficult to shrink flash memory chips after 2005."
The article goes on to discuss alternatives. Of course, I've been hearing for years that microprocessors would run out of steam since 1990 but they always seem to find a way to increase their power.
There was also an interesting, and disturbing, comment on NAND Flash ROM. "By betting on NAND flash--a type of flash memory that differs from the NOR flash that has dominated the market for years--Samsung Semiconductor went from the eighth-largest flash maker in 2001 to the world's No. 2 manufacturer in 2002." :roll:
I guess NAND memory is ok, but Pocket PC makers need to start pumping out 128MB and higher devices to compensate for the usable RAM lost in a NAND device.
