Advanced Micro Devices Inc has announced the first zero-power Flash product, the Am29LL800, which suggests that the memory chip must have a tiny battery embedded on board. It is however, simply a 2.2V low-power device claimed to draw about 50% less power than 3.3V devices, and zero power means that in normal operation, most portable systems have many inactive periods, and the power management system automatically puts the device into sleep mode during these inactive periods, where it consumes virtually zero power. Advanced Micro is offering the part at the same price as for its 2.7V devices – the 8Mbit part is $10.70 for 10,000-up.
