IBM creates working racetrack memory device

April 11, 2008 | Source: New Scientist news service

A “racetrack” memory device, a new type of computer memory that could provide faster, cheaper and higher capacity storage than RAM or hard disk storage, has been demonstrated by IBM researchers.

Bits in racetrack memory are stored in the tiny magnetic domains of a very thin U-shaped wire. A magnetic field is used to write data to the domains. Pulsing current through the wire pushes those domains along the track, past sensors that can read off the data.

IBM researchers plan to develop a chip in which thousands of U-shaped racetracks operate together, in deep, 3D arrays.