Memory Technologies for Data Storage

The lecture will discuss technology details, limitations and challenges along the memory hierarchy in data storage systems.
Outline:
semiconductor memories:
-Cache
-DRAM
-Flash
-FeRAM
-MRAM
-PCRAM
-OTP
Emerging Memories:
-resistive memory technologies (STT, Memristor etc.)
-3D memory technologies
optical memories:
-CD, DVD, Blu-ray and extensions
-holographic memories
mechanical and magnetic memories:
-magnetic tape storage
-MEMS memories
historical memory devices

After completion of this course, the student
- knows the economic and performance aspects of the memory hierarchy (evaluate)
- is able to evaluate pros and cons of different memory technologies
- knows which memory to choose for a given application (apply)
- knows what technology to choose for having memory w/o extra masks (apply)
- knows a metric how to benchmark different memory technologies (evaluate)
- knows the physical limitation for each memory technology (evaluate)
- knows the physical challenges for each technology (evaluate)
- understands the basic physics and technology for semiconductor memories
- understands the basic physics and technology for magnetic storage
- understands the basic physics and technology of insulators and high-k materials
- understands the basic physics and technology for phase-change and polymer materials for data storage
- knows architecture-based limitations of certain memory technologies (evaluate)
- has an overview of current nano-electronic challenges

Basic physical concepts, materials, electronic devices

The following modules should be passed before taking the course:
- Physik für Elektroingenieure
- Werkstoffe der Elektrotechnik
- Elektronische Bauelemente

Lecture with discussion
readings assignments, case studies
Individual and group exercises and group presentations

In addition to the individual student's methods a consolidated
knowledge is targeted by repeated lessons in exercises and tutorials.
Teaching method:
During the lectures students are instructed in a teacher-centered style. The exercises are held in a student-centered way.

Presentations
hand-outs on Moodle

The Art of Assembly Language, Randy Hall, eBook: http://webster.cs.ucr.edu/AoA/Windows/HTML/AoATOC.html
Volume 2: The basic system components
Volume 2: Memory architecture 6.1 - 6.6

Memory Systems: Cache, DRAM, Disk. Bruce Jacob, Spencer W. Ng, and David T. Wang, with contributions by Samuel Rodriguez. ISBN 978-0-12-379751-3, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, September 2007

Individual handouts and script

A written examination is at the end of the semester.
The written examination is with closed book policy and no calculators are allowed.
It consists of questions that cover the knowledge of the course contents, hand calculations and drawings that cover the ability to solve and explain problems arising from the course content and related background questions.