Intel and Micron launch 3D XPOINT technology

Intel Corp. and Micron Technology Inc. have introduced 3D XPOINT technology, a non-volatile memory that has the potential to revolutionize any device, application or service that benefits from fast access to large data sets. Now, in production, 3D technology XPOINT is a major breakthrough in memory process technology and the first new storage category since the introduction of NAND flash in 1989.

The explosion of connected devices and digital services has created an enormous amount of new data. In order for this data to be very useful, it must be stored and analyzed very quickly, thus creating challenges for service providers and system integrators who must balance cost, power consumption and performance tradeoffs when they design memory and storage solutions. 3D technology XPOINT combines the performance, density, power consumption, non-volatility and cost benefits of all memory technologies available on the market today. The technology is up to 1000 times faster, has up to 1000 times greater NAND endurance3, and is 10 times denser than conventional memory.

"For decades, the industry has sought ways to reduce the time lag between processors and data, allowing for faster analysis," said Robukluk, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's nonvolatile Memory Solutions Group. "This new class of non-volatile memory achieves this goal and brings game-changing performance to memory and storage solutions."

"The most significant obstacle in a modern computing is the time it takes for processors to achieve long-term data storage," said Mark Adams, Micron's president. "This new class of non-volatile memory is a revolutionary technology that allows fast access to huge data sets and enables completely new applications."

With the rapid growth of the digital world - 4.4 zettabytes from the expected 44 zettabytes of digital data created in 20204 in 2013-3D technology XPOINT can turn this huge amount of data into nanoseconds of valuable information. For example, retailers can use 3D technology XPOINT to more quickly identify fraud detection patterns in financial transactions; Medical researchers are able to process and analyze larger data sets in real time, accelerating complex tasks such as genetic analysis and disease tracking.

The performance benefits of 3D XPOINT technology can also enhance the PC experience, enabling consumers to enjoy faster interactive social media and collaboration as well as more realistic gaming experiences. The non-volatile nature of the technology also makes it the best choice for a variety of low-latency storage applications, since data will not be erased when the device is powered off.

New formula, architecture breakthrough memory technology

Following more than a decade of research and development, 3D XPOINT technology is rising from the ground up to address the need for non-volatile, high performance, high durability and high capacity storage and memory for inexpensive construction. It ushered in a new class of non-volatile memory that significantly reduced wait times, allowing more data to be stored near processors and at speeds previously impossible for non-volatile storage access.

The innovative, transistor-less intersections architecture creates a three-dimensional checkerboard in which memory cells sit at the intersections of word lines and bit lines so that cells are individually addressed. As a result, data can be written and read out in small sizes, resulting in a faster and more efficient read/write process.