IBM to produce Micron's Hybrid Memory Cube

HMC technology uses advanced TSVs-vertical conduits that electrically connect a stack of individual chips-to combine high-performance logic with Micron's DRAM. HMC delivers bandwidth and efficiencies a leap beyond current device capabilities. HMC prototypes, for example, clock in with bandwidth of 128 gigabytes per second (GB/s). By comparison, current devices deliver 12.8 GB/s. HMC also requires 70 percent less energy to transfer data while offering a small form factor-just 10 percent of the footprint of conventional memory. "This is a milestone in the industry to move to 3-D semiconductor manufacturing," said Subu Iyer, IBM Fellow. "The manufacturing process we are rolling out will have applications beyond memory, enabling other industry segments as well. In the next few years, 3-D chip technology will make its way into consumer products, and we can expect to see drastic improvements in battery life and device functionality." HMC parts will be manufactured at IBM's advanced semiconductor fab in East Fishkill, N.Y., using the company's 32nm, high-K metal gate process technology. "HMC is a game changer, finally giving architects a flexible memory solution that scales bandwidth while addressing power efficiency," said Robert Feurle, vice president of DRAM marketing for Micron. "Through collaboration with IBM, Micron will provide the industry's most capable memory offering."