IRAM: a microprocessor for the post-PC era

Abstract

We call the technology we are using to build our version of the next generation of computers (personal mobile multimedia devices) Intelligent RAM, or IRAM. By building a processor inside a DRAM, we are continuing the progression of system integration dictated by Moore's Law, as a single chip now includes the processor and its memory. The first benefit is reducing size and power of the computer, as IRAM takes less space and power than multiple chips. At the same time, we get tremendous memory performance without relying on cache memory, thereby being a better match to the streaming, multimedia applications of tomorrow. We also integrate the network to increase its efficiency. With more system components integrated onto a single chip, system-wide error checking, diagnostics, and monitoring of entire information appliances becomes feasible.