First phase change

Intel and STMicroelectronics have began shipping prototype samples of a new Phase Change Memory (PCM) device.

The prototypes are the first functional devices to be delivered to customers for evaluation, bringing the technology one step closer to adoption.

The PCM itself, codenamed 'Alverstone', is a 128Mb device built on a 90nm process that provides fast read and write speeds at a lower power than conventional flash and with the bit alterability normally seen in RAM.

In 2003, Intel and STMicroelectronics formed a joint development program (JDP) to focus on Phase Change Memory development. Previously, the JDP demonstrated 8Mb memory arrays on a 180nm process at the 2004 VLSI conference and first disclosed the Alverstone 90nm 128Mbit memory device at the 2006 VLSI Symposium.

Alverstone and future JDP products will become part of the product line of Numonyx, a new independent semiconductor company created through an agreement between STMicroelectronics, Intel and Francisco Partners in May 2007.