The improvements in performance are expected to open up Z-RAM to a broader range of applications. The second generation version is expected to scale better and is capable of 5-Mbits per square millimeter on a 65-nm process and greater than 10-Mbits per square millimeter at 45-nm. The memory is capable of up to 400-MHz clock frequency in the array when optimized for performance and the power consumption can be taken as low as 10-microwatts per megahertz when optimized for low-power consumption.

AMD Investments in a unit of Advanced Micro Devices Inc., which formed Spansion in 2003 as a joint venture with Fujitsu to make and market flash memory devices, which are used in such electronics as cell phones and networking equipment. AMD currently owns nearly 38 percent of Spansion, and Fujitsu holds about a 25 percent stake.

Company specifics aside, the memory market is fierce and that was well evidenced this year. One company would release -the- killer module, and only days later another company would one-up it. Days after Corsair announced their behemoth PC2-8888 kit, OCZ topped it by announcing their Ti Alpha PC2-9000 DFI special. Sadly, both of these kits are hard to come by, but pack a serious punch.

Together, AMD and Fujitsu could raise $536 million in what's known as a secondary offering if the stock is offered at $15.32 a share, which is close to the current trading price. If investor demand is strong enough, the two companies can offer another 5.25 million Spansion shares. Spansion won't receive any of the proceeds of the new offering.