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Samsung starts producing faster 2GB LPDDR3 memory for mobile devices, 128GB flash storage too
While the scales may be steadily tipping towards mobile in the world of DRAM production, there's still plenty of room for technological enhancements. To prove the point, Samsung has just started mass production of what it claims to be the first 2GB LPDDR3 DRAM chip for mobile, which can shuffle information in and out 1,600 Mbps (compared to its 1,066 Mbps LPDDR2 predecessor), with up to 12.8 GB/s of bandwidth. In addition, the manufacturer has also started mass production of a place to hold all of that lovely data, in the form of a 128GB mobile flash storage chip. When will you be able to buy a superphone sporting 2GB of RAM and 128GB of storage? We don't know for sure, but even in the face of adversity all of the components seem to be falling into place.
IHS iSuppli: PCs no longer command biggest share of DRAM market
Times change, this is an indisputable truth. But nothing reminds us of this fact as well as a landmark statistic. If there was ever any doubt about the shift towards of mobile computing, then let this be it: personal computers no longer account for the majority of demand for DRAM chips. With 49 percent of all new memory still headed for PCs, it's hardly time to book the hearse for desk- and laptops just yet, but the statistic from IHS iSuppli remind us of the increasing market share that mobiles and tablets are taking. In fact, even though total DRAM shipments for PCs continues to rise, it's estimated that the total share will slip another 6 percent, to 42.8, between Q2 this year and the end of 2013. Of course, this is good news if you have a vested interest in both, not so good if you don't.
Elpida starts shipments of next-gen Wide IO Mobile RAM
Tablets might be all sexy curves and Gorilla Glass, but it's what's on the inside that counts, right? Efficient DRAM mightn't set your heart alight, but Elpida Memory did just start shipping its next generation 30nm "Wide IO Mobile RAM." The firm claims it uses 50 percent less power compared with equivalent DDR2 sticks, letting you caress your beloved device for longer. This economy is thanks to it purring along at just 200MHz, which is even more impressive when you consider it brags a 12.8 GB/s data rate per chip. This pumped, yet frugal, performance comes courtesy of using x512-bit data width -- some ten times larger than that of existing DRAMs. The party doesn't stop there, with the Elpida also debuting its LPDDR3 chip, brushing aside LPDDR2 with twice the data rates at 6.4GB/s a slice, and a 25 percent smaller power-drain in tow. Mass production should commence in 2012, check the source link for the full break-down.
Samsung starts baking 30nm 4Gb LPDDR2 chips, packaging 2GB mobile RAM in April
When it comes to mobile RAM, capacity is often what pops to mind first while we overlook speed and power consumption, but Samsung's latest delivery is worth the extra attention. Earlier this month, said Korean giant started producing 30nm 4Gb 1066Mbps LPDDR2 (or simply Mobile DDR2) chips, in order to phase out its 40nm ones that topped 2Gb at a 800Mbps transmission rate. To put it in perspective, a 40nm 1GB package consists of four 2Gb chips, whereas the new 30nm one will only need two 4Gb chips, thus reducing the package thickness by 20 percent (down to 0.8mm) and power consumption by 25 percent. It's hard to tell when we'll start seeing these bits of silicon entering the consumer market, but Samsung's already stamping out 1GB modules this month, with a 2GB version to follow next month. Oh yes, we're definitely liking the sound of 2GB RAM for mobile phones.
Samsung develops 1Gb synchronous DRAM module
Apparently, Samsung has been on quite the rampage (ahem) lately, busting out its new Powerhouse Fusion memory, working with NEC in hopes of crafting a one-terabit chip, and now announcing the industry's "first gigabit-density mobile DRAM" module. Using 80-nanometer process technology, the 1Gb synchronous DRAM module claims to be "more cost effective than other high density mobile solutions," and requires around "30-percent less current" than the double-die stack chips commonly used today. The monolithic chip introduces a new "temperature-sensing feature" that purportedly maximizes the "self-refresh cycle" to reduce power drain in standby mode, and also touts a 20-percent decrease in thickness over its predecessors. While we've no idea how much these modules will bump the price of your future gadgetry, they should begin finding their way into "handsets, digicams, PMPs, and handheld gaming machines" in the second quarter of 2007.[Via Physorg]
