DDR3 2GB, Project X

4 Gig DDR3 Notebook Modules Micron Technology, Inc. is sampling 4 gigabyte (GB) DDR3 modules, designed using 2 gigabit (Gb) components, to provide the industry’s highest density DDR3 modules for notebook computers. The fast speeds, high-density and low-power of Micron’s portfolio of DDR3 modules – ranging in density from 512 megabytes (MBs) to now 4 GBs – allow these systems and applications to perform more effectively and utilize power more efficiently.
STT-RAM License Agreement Hynix Semiconductor Inc. and Grandis Inc. have signed a long-term license agreement for memory products incorporating Grandis’ patents and intellectual property in spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM). The two companies have also entered into a collaborative agreement to jointly integrate Grandis’ fundamental STT-RAM technology into Hynix’s future memory products. STT-RAM is a next-generation, non-volatile memory (NVM) solution that overcomes the limitations of conventional magnetic RAM (MRAM) technologies. While existing memory technologies prove to be very difficult for manufacturing beyond the 40-nm process node, STT-RAM shows excellent scalability with shrinking design rules, which translates to greater density and, ultimately, lower cost per die. STT-RAM also consumes less power than existing mainstream memories, and provides unlimited endurance as well as fast read/write capability.
Flash Memory Products, Numonyx Intel Corporation has finalized and closed its transaction with STMicroelectronics and Francisco Partners to create a new independent semiconductor company Numonyx B.V. that will design, develop and manufacture NOR and NAND flash memory products. As part of the transaction, Intel has transferred the assets associated with its NOR flash memory business and certain assets related to the company's phase change memory initiatives to Numonyx in exchange for 45.1 percent ownership in Numonyx. ST Microelectronics acquired a 48.6 percent ownership interest in Numonyx. Francisco Partners acquired a 6.3 percent ownership interest in exchange for a cash investment of $150 million. As part of the overall transaction, Numonyx will receive $450 million of debt financing at closing from Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A and Unicredit Banca d'Impresa S.p.A in addition to a $100 million committed revolving credit facility. The loan has a 4-year term and Intel and STMicroelectronics have each provided Numonyx and the banks with a guarantee of 50 percent of the indebtedness.
New 256GB SSD, Super Talent The world’s slimmest 256GB solid state drive (SSD) launched by Super Talent Technology. The FSD56GC25H uses an industry standard 2.5-inch hard drive form factor and uses an industry standard SATA-I interface, making it 100% interchangeable with conventional 2.5-inch SATA hard drives. This SSD implements patented stacking technology to pack an enormous amount of solid state storage into an exceptionally small and slim case, measuring a mere 12.5mm thick – 40% thinner than any other 256GB SSD available. The signature black case is made from a durable lightweight aluminum alloy.
New Low-Power SRAM, Renesas Technology The R1WV6416R Series of 64 Mbit Advanced Low-Power SRAM (Advanced LPSRAM) with the highest LPSRAM capacity are currently available, from Renesas Technology Corp., and the R1LV3216R Series of 32 Mbit Advanced LPSRAM with compact chip size. Sample shipments of the 32 Mbit products will begin in April 2008, and of the 64 Mbit products in July, in Japan.