Samsung speeds up development of a new breed of memory that combines RAM and SSD properties

Samsung advances Selector-Only Memory using chalcogenide materials and computer modeling.

: Samsung is advancing a new memory technology called Selector-Only Memory (SOM) that combines flash storage's non-volatility with DRAM's speed. Unique chalcogenide materials both store data and act as selector devices in SOM, eliminating the need for transistors. By using computer modeling, Samsung screened over 4,000 material combinations, narrowing it down to 18 for testing. This approach may give Samsung a competitive edge in the memory market.

Samsung is pushing forward with the development of Selector-Only Memory (SOM), a new type of memory technology that merges the non-volatility associated with flash storage with the rapid read/write capabilities found in DRAM. Unlike traditional memory solutions, SOM uses special chalcogenide materials that serve as both the memory cell and the selector device, thereby streamlining the architecture and potentially increasing memory density through chip stacking.

To identify suitable chalcogenide candidates for SOM, Samsung employed advanced computer modeling techniques that evaluated over 4,000 possible material combinations. These simulations helped identify 18 prime candidates based on crucial parameters like bonding properties, thermal stability, and electrical behavior, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with experimental validation.

Samsung's computational approach has allowed the company to spot high-performance materials that may not have been identified through traditional methods. Researchers plan to share these findings at the upcoming International Electron Devices Meeting, suggesting that Samsung is well-positioned to become a leader in the SOM arena. This technology also presents an opportunity for Samsung to gain a significant advantage in the evolving memory market.