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+++ News in brief +++ News in brief +++ IBM explores molecules as data storage Researchers from IBM in Zurich have demonstrated how a single molecule can be switched between two distinct conductive states, which allows it to store data. The experiments show that certain types of molecules offer functionalities that are comparable to devices used in today's semiconductor technology
With dimensions of a single molecule on the order of one nanometer (one millionth of a millimeter), molecular electronics redefines the ultimate limit of miniaturization far beyond that of today's silicon-based technology. The molecules investigated are specially designed organic molecules measuring only about 1.5 nanometers in length, approximately one hundredth of a state-of-the-art CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) element. CMOS technology is expected to reach its ultimate limits in 10 to 15 years. As chip structures, which currently have dimensions of about 40 nm, continue to shrink below the 20 nm mark, ever more complex challenges arise and scaling appears not to be economically feasible any more. According to IBM, the chemical synthesis can produce completely identical molecules without variability. Below 10 nm, the fundamental physical limits of CMOS technology will be reached. Besides molecular storage, other technologies are explored, including carbon nanotubes, semiconducting nanowires, and spintronics. Further information is available at http://www.zurich.ibm.com HP develops data stickers Hewlett Packard has developed a tiny, self-contained storage device called Memory Spot, which can be stuck to documents and other objects. The prototype Memory Spot has the size of a rice grain and can store up to 4 megabyte of information. The chip has an antenna which can transfer data at speeds up to 10 Mbps and does not require its own power source. Instead, the chip draws its power from a chip reader through a process called inductive coupling, which allows power to cross from one component to another over a shared electromagnetic field.
Data stored on Memory Spot chips could be accessed using a variety of devices, such as specially equipped cell phones or PDAs, making them suitable for a range of applications, such as stickers applied to a paper document or printed photo. The idea behind the technology is to enhance real-world items, which can only story limited amounts of information, like menus, advertisements, brochures, printed photos, or DVD covers. The researchers at HP believe that paper will remain an important communication medium. A Memory Spot on a document can hold exhibits or earlier versions. In addition, data on the devices can be erased and rewritten several times. That means hospital wristbands with a Memory Spot could contain complete patient records, as they can be updated. According to HP, it will take a couple of years until Memory Spot chips are commercially available. Nokia introduces new radio technology for small devices On 3 October, Nokia announced a new radio technology called Wibree as an open industry initiative extending local connectivity to small devices. Wibree is meant to complement other local radio technologies. The new technology connects small, button-cell battery power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors, with mobile devices or PCs. Prospective application areas include sports, for instance for the transmission of pulse measuring data, and healthcare, for example, the transmission of blood pressure and other body data.
According to Nokia, Wibree is consuming only a fraction of the power, compared to other radio technologies, like, for instance, Bluetooth. However, compared to Bluetooth, which offers a bandwidth of up to 2.1 MB/sec, the maximum bandwidth of Wibree is limited to 1 MB/sec with a range of up to 10 meter. Like Bluetooth, Wibree works in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Wibree can be implemented either as a stand-alone chip or as Bluetooth-Wibree dual-mode chip. Nokia plans to have the first commercial version of the interoperability specification available during the second quarter of 2007. The current members of the group defining the specification are Broadcom Corporation, CSR, Epson and Nordic Semiconductor, who have licensed the Wibree technology for commercial chip implementation, as well as the sports device manufacturer Suunto and the electronic equipment manufacturer Taiyo Yuden, who contribute to the interoperability specification in their respective areas of expertise. Further information is available at http://www.wibree.com Please send us your comments on this article. |
