# racetrack memory

> experimental memory device

**Wikidata**: [Q1651623](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1651623)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racetrack_memory)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/racetrack-memory

## Summary
Racetrack memory is an experimental memory device classified as a type of non-volatile random-access memory. It is designed to retain information even when power is turned off, distinguishing it from volatile memory types like DRAM and SRAM. It is also known by the alias "domain-wall memory."

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Racetrack memory is a subclass of non-volatile random-access memory.
- **Function**: It retains stored information when power is turned off, unlike dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) and static random-access memory (SRAM).
- **Status**: It is currently considered an experimental memory device.
- **Aliases**: Also referred to as "domain-wall memory."
- **Associated Research**: An official research page is maintained by IBM Research.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: The topic has a "Racetrack memory" article available in 11 languages, including English, German, French, and Japanese.

## FAQs
### Q: Is racetrack memory volatile?
A: No, racetrack memory is non-volatile. It is a form of random-access memory that retains its information when power is turned off.

### Q: How does racetrack memory differ from standard RAM like DRAM?
A: Unlike dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) and static random-access memory (SRAM), which require continuous power to maintain data, racetrack memory retains data without power.

### Q: What is the current status of racetrack memory technology?
A: According to its description, racetrack memory is an experimental memory device.

### Q: Is racetrack memory known by any other names?
A: Yes, it is also known as "domain-wall memory."

## Why It Matters
Racetrack memory is significant because it aims to bridge the gap between storage and memory in computing architecture. As a subclass of non-volatile random-access memory, it addresses a fundamental limitation of current widespread memory technologies: volatility. Standard memory types, specifically dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) and static random-access memory (SRAM), are essential for system operation but lose all stored data the instant power is cut.

By retaining information without power, racetrack memory offers the potential for "instant-on" computing and reduced energy consumption, as data does not need to be constantly refreshed or moved to long-term storage. As an experimental device currently under research (noted by its association with IBM Research), it represents the ongoing evolution of hardware design, seeking to create memory solutions that combine the speed of RAM with the persistence of flash or hard drive storage.

## Notable For
- Being an **experimental memory device** aiming to advance current storage capabilities.
- **Non-volatility**: Retains data without power, a key advantage over DRAM and SRAM.
- **Alternative nomenclature**: Known specifically as "domain-wall memory."
- **Academic and corporate research**: Associated with IBM Research resources.

## Body

### Classification and Function
Racetrack memory is categorized as a subclass of **non-volatile random-access memory**. Its defining characteristic is the ability to retain information even when the device's power is turned off. This behavior stands in direct contrast to widely used memory technologies such as **dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)** and **static random-access memory (SRAM)**, which are both volatile and maintain data only as long as power is applied.

### Research and Development
The device is currently labeled as an **experimental memory device**. Research into this technology is documented by **IBM Research**, with specific resources hosted at `researcher.watson.ibm.com`.

### Terminology and Identifiers
In technical and academic contexts, the technology is referred to by the alias **domain-wall memory**. It is indexed under the Quora topic "Racetrack-Memory" and has a Microsoft Academic ID of 43363307.

### Digital Presence
The concept has a notable presence on Wikipedia, with articles spanning 11 languages including English (en), German (de), French (fr), Japanese (ja), and Korean (ko). It holds a Freebase ID of `/m/03c05y_`.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)