DDR2 memory modules on show at CeBIT

Kingston Technology is showing its first DDR2 memory modules at CeBIT in Hannover this week.

Kingston Technology is showing its first DDR2 memory modules at CeBIT in Hannover this week.

The range includes 400 and 533MHz DDR2 registered DIMMs, unbuffered DIMMs and SODIMMs, in capacities up to 1Gbyte, to support next-generation computer platforms launching in 2004.

"DDR memory technology has matured and reached its limits, and DDR2 is the new technology that has been chosen by the industry to replace it.

DDR2 memory features faster speeds of up to 667MHz, higher data bandwidths, lower power consumption by about 50%, and enhanced thermal performance versus DDR", said Mark Tekunoff, Senior Technology Manager, Kingston Technology.

"It's a memory innovation that we expect to see rapidly embraced".

Over the past few years, Kingston Technology has worked closely with JEDEC, the memory standards organisation, and DRAM, system and motherboard manufacturers in developing the new DDR2 memory technology.

In addition, Kingston Technology is a founding member of Intel's "Memory Implementers Forum", a new online community focused on advancing key memory technologies such as DDR2.

DDR2 memory chips will be available in fine-pitch BGA (FBGA) chip packages for improved electrical and thermal characteristics.

In addition, DDR2 memory chips will incorporate on-die termination (ODT) to minimise memory signal reflections at high speeds, thereby improving timing margins.

DDR2 memory chips will come in capacities up to 4Gbit, allowing for higher-capacity modules.

DDR2 modules have differing pin configurations, voltage requirements and DRAM chip technology than DDR.

As a result, DDR2 is not backward compatible with existing DDR motherboards.

To prevent accidental insertion into an incompatible motherboard, DDR2 modules have a unique key or "notch" in their connector that must match the memory socket.

As DDR2 memory becomes widely adopted during 2005, it will be used to improve performance on desktops, notebooks, and servers as well as telecommunication and networking devices.

DDR2 memory modules in the future will include all popular memory form factors: registered DIMMs, unbuffered DIMMs ( ECC/non-ECC) DIMMs, SO-DIMMs, MicroDIMMs, mini registered DIMMs, and custom modules for proprietary products.

Back to top