Micron SyncFlash to challenge DRam

Micron Technology is to release what it believes will be a replacement for DRam memory products in the consumer device and embedded application market.

Micron Technology is to release what it believes will be a replacement for DRam memory products in the consumer device and embedded application market.

SyncFlash, a modified version of current flash memory architecture that uses DRam packaging, is designed for systems that use flash chips to store code but then transfer the code to DRam to execute it from the main memory.

SyncFlash intends to by-pass the transfer of data by executing from a single DRam controller. Windows CE devices are one of the primary targets for the product. The operating system boots from Rom or flash then transfers the code to SDRam.

Kevin Widmer, flash strategic marketing manager for Micron, said: "SyncFlash memory adds the benefits of non-volatile storage technology to industry-standard DRam architectures. We see many benefits resulting from the integration of SyncFlash, including performance increases and reduced device counts resulting in an improved performance/cost ratio."

The product was unveiled at the recent Comdex trade show and samples will be sent out in the next quarter. It is expected to be in volume production for the third quarter of 2000.

Micron intends to sell the product at prices slightly higher than DRam, but significantly lower than current flash memory prices. The vendor also claimed the product will have fixed pricing schedules and will not be subject to the constant fluctuations suffered by the DRam market. The first chip available will be a 64Mb, 100Mhz part, with 133Mhz available soon afterwards.