Panasonic claims it will soon start mass-production of the first computer products with mounted ReRAM, the faster, lower-power alternative to NAND flash memory.

Also known as memristor or "memory resistor," ReRAM combines the properties of a resistor and memory in a new circuit element. Memristor technology requires less energy, is faster than present storage technologies and retains information even when the power is off.

Numerous companies are working on ReRAM projects (such as HP and Hynix) but Panasonic insists it is the first to get the technology "in a microcomputer," in this case the 8-bit MN101LR series microcomputer.

The battery-powered device drives environmental sensors, healthcare monitors and fire alarms. As well as ReRAM the device features peripheral functions such as LCD display control, a 12-bit AD converter and a clock function.

Panasonic also plans to expand ReRAM into applications such as non-contact IC cards (such as electronic passports), cloud-connected wearable devices and energy harvesting products.

Does the news mean ReRAM technology is ready for more broad applications? Perhaps not yet. After all, the MN101R microcomputers feature all of 64kb of ROM and 4k of RAM. Still, early days and all that.

Go Panasonic Starts World's First Mass Production of ReRAM Mounted Microcomputers