Roles of Non-Volatile Devices in Future Computer Systems

Abstract

Normally-off Computer (NOC) is a computer designed with a new concept in which most parts of a computer use non-volatile functionalities. The power of NOC will be completely turned off at short intervals when computing is not required without users even being aware of it. Thus far, slow latency, limited endurance, and small capacity of non-volatile memories have been preventing the implementation of non-volatile functionalities into computer architecture. Emerging magnetic memory, Spintronic RAM (Spin-RAM), is now changing the premise of computer design. Spin-RAM will soon replace dynamic RAM, and will actualize instant-on computer. For NOC, however, inventors must develop many new technologies including non-volatile cache memories, hierarchical non-volatile memory architecture, advanced power gating, non-volatile peripheral circuits, and non-volatile displays. The authors discuss the present status of Spin-RAM technology and the challenges for achieving NOC.