Hybrid Memory Cube Gains A New Member: Microsoft
Increasingly, memory is becoming a major issue. More than other forms of storage, and in some cases, more than other major components in a mobile device. RAM is getting so cheap that it's actually a viable alternative to HDD-based storage, and there's plenty of room for collaboration from the major companies in the RAM race. Today, Microsoft joined the Hybrid Memory Cube consortium, which is being headed up by Micron Technology. The HMCC is a collaboration of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), enablers and integrators who are cooperating to develop and implement an open interface standard for an innovative new memory technology called the Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC). Micron and Samsung, the initial developing members of the HMCC, are working closely with Altera, IBM, Open-Silicon, Xilinx and now Microsoft to "accelerate widespread industry adoption of HMC technology."
The technology will enable highly efficient memory solutions for applications ranging from industrial products to high-performance computing and large-scale networking, and beyond that, the sky's the limit. The group has stated that in the future, they will work to "refine the draft and release a final interface specification." Barring any major setbacks, that should surface the year's end. A bit more on the goals from the HMCC:
The technology will enable highly efficient memory solutions for applications ranging from industrial products to high-performance computing and large-scale networking, and beyond that, the sky's the limit. The group has stated that in the future, they will work to "refine the draft and release a final interface specification." Barring any major setbacks, that should surface the year's end. A bit more on the goals from the HMCC:
"As envisioned, HMC capabilities will leap beyond current and near-term memory architectures in the areas of performance, packaging and power efficiencies, offering a major shift from present memory technology. By opening new doors for developers, manufacturers and architects, the consortium is committed to making HMC a new standard in high-performance memory technology.Still not clear? Well, at least there's a memorable name to love, right?
"HMC technology represents a major step forward in the direction of increasing memory bandwidth and performance, while decreasing the energy and latency needed for moving data between the memory arrays and the processor cores, " said KD Hallman, General Manager of Microsoft Strategic Software/Silicon Architectures. "Harvesting this solution for various future systems could lead to better and/or novel digital experiences."
