3D RAM Prototype

August, 2004 - before stacking This is the face of one circuit layer, before stacking (actual size: 2mm x 2mm).
November, 2004 - after stacking When the first register file chips came off the line, this simple test circuit proved that the chips were "alive."
November, 2004 A complete demonstration platform was created to exercise the functionality of the register file chip. The chip itself is housed under the bright gold square at the top of the picture.
November, 2004 A magnified view of the top of the bare chip (actual size: 2mm x 2mm). The surface of the chip looks quite blank because the circuitry is on the inside, between the layers of the stack. The small gold squares are probe points for testing.
November, 2004 A highly magnified view of five of the chip's connectors.
November, 2004 In development, the register file chip was code-named "Orion." A tiny diagram of the constellation was designed into the top of the chip.