Intel and Micron crunch flash memory down to 20nm

Intel and Micron have introduced a new 20nm process for making flash memory: that means more storage in less space using less battery.
Chipmaking giant Intel and memory developer Micron have announced they have produced a new 20 nm process for producing 20 nm NAND flash memory. Most flash storage on the market today uses either 32nm or 25nm processes: the 20nm process means the folks who make everything from smartphones to tablets to portable game systems to solid-state drives can put more storage capacity in less space inside the device—and tap into it all using less power.

“Industry-leading NAND gives Intel the ability to provide the highest quality and most cost-effective solutions to our customers, generation after generation,” said Intel’s VP and general manager for non-volatile memory solutions Tom Rampone, in a statement. “The Intel-Micron joint venture is a model for the manufacturing industry as we continue to lead the industry in process technology and make quick transitions of our entire fab network to smaller and smaller lithographies.”
The modules are being produced by a joint venture between Intel and Micron, dubbed IM Flash Technologies.
Intel and Micron have produced an 8 GB sample device that measures just 118mm², is a 30 to 40 percent reduction in board space required for storage compared to current 8 GB 25nm modules. The 8 GB modules also cost about one third less to manufacturer compared to 25nm modules.
The companies are sampling the 8 GB modules now and expect to take the components to mass production in the second half of 2011. Around the same time, Micron and Intel expect to begin sampling 16GB modules built on the same 20nm process—all told, the companies say those 16 GB modules could combine together to put 128 GB of storage capacity in an area smaller than a typical U.S. postage stamp. And the shrinkage won’t stop there: IM Flash Technologies is already working on a 16nm process for flash storage.
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Intel taking over Kno tablet hardware design?

Reports have Intel and Conde Nast's owner sinking $30 million into Kno...and Intel taking over the dual-screen student tablet's hardware design.
Last month, rumors were swirling that tablet start up Kno was considering selling off its hardware business—which hasn’t even launched yet, despite repeated delays. Now, new reports have chipmaking giant Intel and Conde Nast owner Advance Publications sinking some $30 million into Kno…and that Intel will be taking over the hardware design of the dual-screen tablets with an eye towards licensing manufacturing to OEMs.

According toBusinessweek, Intel’s venture capital arm is interested in the technology as a way to expand its presense in the education market. According toAll Things Digital, Intel will take over the hardware design of the tablets then, rather than manufacture the devices itself, license the designs to OEM manufacturers. Conde Nast owner Advance Capital is also apparently also be a significant participant in the investment.
Kno has attracted much attention for its planning single- and dual-screen tablets; however, while the devices have been available for pre-order for a while and were scheduled to ship any day know, there’s no sign the company is on pace to begin fulfilling orders. Kno shipped a small number of tablets in December, but suspended orders. The single-screen version has been priced at $599; the dual-screen version (with two 14.1-inch displays with 1,400 by 900 resolution) was to be priced at $899. Kno has established a number of significant partnerships with colleges and universities; however, the success of the iPad (and the potential success of Android-based tablets) has apparently made the company re-think its hardware strategy to focus instead on making educational software for consumer-oriented tablet devices.
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Intel announces 600GB solid-state drives, doubling capacity in a year

Today, Intel announced its third generation of SSD, the 320 series, which now goes up to 600GB, doubling the capacity of its models one year ago.

Intel has announced its third generation of Solid-State Drives (SSD), the 320 Series, which double the capacity of last years models to 600GB. Still, for many models, prices have dropped as much as 20 percent from last year, despite the increases in capacity (consumer prices may vary). It seems that Moore’s Law can’t be beat. The 320 series will replace Intel’s current X25-M SSDs and utilize the new 25nm NAND Flash memory process that Intel unveiled last year. The new drives are intended for laptop and desktop computers.
Intel promises better data security (128-bit encryption), power-loss management, and new data redundancy features. The new drives come in the following sizes and prices. All drives come with a 3 year warranty.
$89 – 40GB$159 – 80GB$209 – 120GB$289 – 160GB$529 – 300GB$1,069 – 600GB
While still expensive, SSD prices are dropping quickly and capacity is rising faster still. SSD drives offer much faster boot times and data access speeds than traditional spinning hard drives.
TechTree linked to a great Intel video in its report. Check it out below. For more detailed information on Intel’s new drives, head to its product page.

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