Innovations: Researchers develop device to improve memory storage in electronics

The Idea

Scottish researchers have developed a memory storage device for the consumer electronics like MP3, smartphone and cameras. This novel memory storage device transforms data into electrical signals with a small mechanical arm to give speedy operation to the electronic devices that require memory for storing information. Additionally the new storage device consumes comparatively less energy than conventional memory storage devices. Researchers from Edinburgh University who worked in collaboration with researchers from Konkuk University and Seoul National University in South Korea are the mastermind behind the innovative research.

new storage device

At a glance

 Increased memory space for electronic devices

 Use of mechanical method to translate data and information into electric signals.

 Speedy operation and energy efficiency in comparison with existing conventional memory storage devices

 Offers fast switching power on and off - not found in existing memory storage devices.

The making

The prior efforts to design memory storage device makes use of carbon nanotube transistors which give low quality of operational speed and short memory retention time. This problem has been solved by the use of mechanical arm to charge electrode to give speedy function than the storage devices that are existing in the market today. This new storage device measures the current flow through carbon nanotube transistors and records data that transform into a binary value of the data that determines an electrode which controls the regular flow of the current.

What’s new:

This innovative device helps you to switch off and on much faster as compared to the storage devices that are available in the market today, beside improving storage in devices.

What’s refreshing:

The refreshing technical aspect that can be found in this new device is the use of small mechanical arm that charges the electrode resulting into much faster operation than conventional memory storage products.

Applications:

The new device has been designed to overcome shortage of memory space and thus increase memory storage capacity in the devices like MP3, smartphone and cameras etc.

From the makers:

According to the Prof Eleanor Campbell, professor at Edinburgh University School of Chemistry, this is altogether new approach of designing memory storage devices. He said:

With this device you have much faster switching on and off which was the limitation with existing conventional memory storage products. However, one issue with this novel device is how easily they can be manufactured on an industrial scale, which we are yet to see.