Flash man works on new microprocessor design

NIKKEI NET reports that Fujio Masuoka, who invented flash memory, is working on a design for a CPU which can belt out 10 times the performance of current microprocessors.

Masuoka worked at Toshiba when he invented flash, but now has a job now as chief technology officer at an R&D firm Unisantis, which is owned by a Saudi entrepreneur.

The report said Masuoka is assembling a team of 50 people to work on the microprocessor, has a development budget of ¥10 billion, and the goal of getting the CPU out of the fabs in five years time.

The technology will focus on surrounding gate transistors, with the electrodes positioned vertically on a silicon substrate - Nikkei.net said that could mean a CPU 10 times smaller than planar microprocessors or a design could be made which delivers 10 times the performance using a planar design.

The report is here. (Subscription required). µ