High-Temperature Memory Unit Enables Computers to Operate in Extreme Conditions

Computers typically malfunction when exposed to extreme heat, but engineers at the University of Michigan are working to change this by developing new memory that can function at the temperature of molten lead.

Computers are now everywhere, with cars alone housing up to 100 running 100 million lines of code. Just 40 years ago, a single car computer was rare. As computers integrate into more systems, they’re often exposed to harsh environments. While silicon microchips function at room temperature, higher temperatures, like 300°F (150°C), can cause uncontrollable electron flow, resulting in data loss or system failure.

This is especially problematic in cars, where chips are placed in hot areas like engines and brakes, and in even more extreme environments like jet engines, foundries, fusion reactors, or Venus-bound space probes.

Michigan Team Develops Memory Chip Capable of Withstanding Extreme Temperatures Using Oxygen Ions

The Michigan team is developing a memory chip that operates over 1,100°F (600°C). Made of tantalum oxide and metal, it stores data using oxygen ions, functioning more like a battery. The chip creates tantalum metal spots to store data with two voltage states. While it needs heat below 500°F (250°C), it can retain memory for 24 hours, operates at lower voltages, and may store gigabytes of data in the future.

Alec Talin, senior scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, explained, “AI-driven monitoring in extreme environments requires powerful processors that consume a lot of energy. In-memory computing chips can process data before reaching AI chips, reducing overall power consumption.”

Read Original Article: New Atlas

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