Teach an old dog new tricks: Silicon and ReRAM

In the fast-moving world of computer memory, DRAM and Flash are the current best options, but neither is perfect. The solution is ReRAM, technology that functions similarly to other types of RAM, meaning that each bit can be accessed individually. Unlike the current technology, DRAM, which stores bits of information as charges in capacitors (the disadvantage being that all the capacitors discharge when the device is powered down), ReRAM stores bits of information as changes in capacitance. The result is fast memory that doesn't forget when you turn it off. Until recently, reserchers have only been able to manufacture ReRAM chips out of metal oxides. Recently, they've demonstrated that silicon oxide can be used as well, offering a much easier integration of ReRAM technology into existing manufacturing infrastructures. Maybe we'll be seeing ReRAM chips in our electronics sooner rather than later.