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Computer memory and data storage types |
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Volatile |
Non-volatile |
Universal memory refers to a computer data storage device combining the cost benefits of DRAM, the speed of SRAM, the non-volatility of flash memory along with infinite durability, and longevity. Such a device, if it ever becomes possible to develop, would have a far-reaching impact on the computer market. Some[1] doubt that such a type of memory will ever be possible.
Computers, for most of their recent history, have depended on several different data storage technologies simultaneously as part of their operation. Each one operates at a level in the memory hierarchy where another would be unsuitable. A personal computer might include a few megabytes of fast but volatile and expensive SRAM as the CPU cache, several gigabytes of slower DRAM for program memory, and 128 GB-8 TB of the slow but non-volatile flash memory or 1-10 terabytes of "spinning platters" hard disk drive for long-term storage. For example, a university[2] recommended students entering in 2015–2016 to have a PC with:
Researchers seek to replace these different memory types with one single type to reduce the cost and increase performance. For a memory technology to be considered a universal memory, it would need to have best characteristics of several memory technologies. It would need to:
The last criterion is likely to be satisfied last, as economies of scale in manufacturing reduce cost. Many types of memory technologies have been explored with the goal of creating a practical universal memory. These include:
Since each memory has its limitations, none of these have yet reached the goals of universal memory.