Racetrack Memory

There are two main types of memory used in computing today which include flash memory and magnetic hard drives, both with their pros and cons. However, what if a new technology could muster the best qualities of these two technologies, while avoiding their drawbacks? This technology would not only be capable of storing enormous masses of energy, while allowing it to do so at the speed of flash memory but be more efficient (in power and productivity) than any other memory technology in existence today. This is the idea behind Parkin's new technology Racetrack Memory that has the potential to revolutionize memory storage in the computing world.

What sets this new technology apart from the current magnetic drives and solid state drives? As Parkin thoroughly explains current memory technology uses "two-dimensional" concepts, while Racetrack Memory is "three-dimensional". The idea behind racetrack memory is to use vertical nanowires that theoretically can pack 100x more data into the same area as a flash-chip transistor. The nanowires have regions with different magnetic polarities, and the boundaries between the regions represent 1s or 0s. At the base of the U shaped nanowire the boundaries encounter a pair of tiny devices that read and write the data. This memory's speed is fast like dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) used to hold accessed data in computers, yet it can store information even when the power is off. Mainly because there are no atoms being moved in the reading or writing of the data, eliminating wear on the wire.

When Parkin's first proposed this idea in 2003 most believed it to be a great concept that could not possibly work. However, since last December Parkin and his team have been able to successfully move six bits along a wire. If it reaches 10 bits (probably in the near future) it could be competative with flash storage and if his team can manage 100 bits, racetrack memory could replace hardrives. Surely with the progress being made with this new found technology we will experience a new memory storage revolution in the upcoming years.

Sci-Fi City

With the increase of digital screen technology comes dramatically lower prices. The mass production of large digital screens has now reached a cost effective price, opening the way for the futuristic city landscapes of Science Fiction movies to become a reality where digital screens take up all that the eye can see.

Panasonic has released a digital screen dedicated to the digital signage market. The TH-58PF11WK, TH-50PF11WK and the TH-42PF11WK models offer 1920 x 1080p and a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. In addition, these panels are durable and have over 100,000 hour life span. With a glass panel giving final protection, it makes it perfect for public locations. The screens can be position both in the vertical and the horizontal directions and have easy expandability options. The display id allows up to 100 tv's to be controlled with a single remote.

With these advancements it won't be long before signs of all kinds are replaced with their digital counterparts.