Intel and Micron boast 25nm Nand breakthrough

The 25nm process produces 8GB of storage in a single Nand device

Chip giants Intel and Micron are to begin mass production of 25nm Nand memory chips this summer. The new technology will halve the cost of building solid state drives, and allow double the capacity with the same physical footprint.

The chips will be the smallest mass manufactured memory in the world, according to the Intel Micron Flash Technologies (IMFT) joint venture, and will be used in new generations of consumer electronic devices and mobile phones.

"To lead the entire semiconductor industry with the most advanced process technology is a phenomenal feat for Intel and Micron, and we look forward to further pushing the scaling limits," said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's memory group.

"This production technology will enable significant benefits to our customers through higher density media solutions."

IMFT was formed in 2006 and is 51 per cent controlled by Micron and 49 per cent by Intel. The partnership is aimed at leading the burgeoning market for Nand chips.

"Through our continued investment in IMFT, we are delivering leadership technology and manufacturing that enables the most cost-effective and reliable Nand memory," said Tom Rampone, vice president and general manager of Intel's Nand Solutions Group.

"This will help speed the adoption of solid-state drive solutions for computing."