IBM Racetrack Memory To Boost Storage By 100x

(1 votes 4.00 / 5)

1,024 views

We have good news and bad news. The good news is that IBM is exploiting electrons to create memory with 100x the data density we see today. In terms of iPod, that’s 500,000 songs. The bad news is that the technology won’t be ready for 7+ years. Here’s how it works:

In a crude analogy, think of staggered nanowires as roads that, through simple urban planning, create magnetic alleys to store data. Cars/information can race around throughout the entire grid, but it can only park in the alleys. That information can then be read by exploiting the magnetic fields generated by electron spin. Essentially, the entire system is tiny, but there’s a viable magnetic signature to track it all.

Also, because we’re dealing with such minute forces and measurements, hardware should run quite cool.

The racetrack research team is prepared to build the prototype, which they consider a 3 to 4 year process. Commercial products are then another few years away from that.

Related Posts

1. USB Memory Watch
   

   You should be familiar with a little thing called flash memory that can be transferred and has some ability to store your data. It is commonly used by users, taking into account its practical function. This can be effected in the pocket and transfer of data wherever and whenever. But now [...]

2. Datto Backup NAS brings off-site storage to the little guys
   

   Although this 500GB Datto NAS backup seems to be targeted towards small businesses, most of us on Giz have enough data lying around our computers for it to be worthwhile to us as well. The Datto comes in two models, 100 and 500GB, and both automatically back up whatever data’s on it to the Datto [...]

3. Panasonic Will Market First Li-Ion Storage Battery for Home Use in 2011
   

   Bringing energy storage people, Panasonic will bring home use lithium-ion storage cells on the market in fiscal 2011, enabling households to store a week of electricity for later use . Panasonic – along with recently acquired Sanyo – proof and manufactured, a battery, which could allow widespread deployment of ecosystems modes, but not uniform power [...]

4. Pedal Brains Gadget Turns Your iPhone Into A Powerful Cycling Computer
   

   For years, runners have been able to take advantage of Nike+, a nifty accessory that lets your iPod communicate with your shoes to turn it into a personal running coach of sorts. Soon, cyclists will have access to a tool that’s in the same vein as Nike+, but far more powerful. It’s called Pedal Brain, [...]

5. Recycled Magnetic Tape Reel Clock
   

   Old computer parts or accessories will bring back some sweet memories of old times. It’s a good idea to have some retro computer parts for some of our everyday gadgets. Here comes the recycling of magnetic tapes, Reel clock is made of aluminum 10-inch Scotch reel of magnetic tape and hard [...]