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Scientists at Hewlett Packard have developed a new type of memory that is being hailed as a breakthrough. A circuitry component termed the memristor, allows data to be stored in circuitry even after the power is switched off. If it works out, the technology has massive potential in electronics. It could include such benefits as computers that power up instantly, cell phones that go much longer without a charge and eliminate data loss in the case of power failures or battery death.

The memristor would be part of the circuitry rather than a separate memory module; this would allow PC builders to save valuable space. Removing memory modules from the equation saves valuable space for system builders and could lead to smaller systems that are much more powerful. They also offer potential energy savings which would see battery life on portable devices improve dramatically.

The memristor is the brainchild of Leon Chua, a professor in the electrical engineering and computer sciences department at the University of California, Berkeley. Back in 1971, Chua proposed that the memristor ought to be possible to create. Now, 37 years later, it has been. Chua, aged 71, is pleased to see the validation of his research from all those years ago. [Associated Press]

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