From X-bit Labs: Next-generation DDR4 memory standard is incoming. DDR4 memory modules will be used inside high-end desktops (HEDTs) based on Intel Core i7 “Haswell-E” chips as well as servers powered by Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 “Haswell-EP” central processing units. But nothing is that rosy about the new memory standard. Apparently, the standard needs further tweaking.
“The initial DDR4 DRAM standard was targeted at early adopters, doubling the speed as well as improving performance scalability, capacity, and power efficiency in comparison to its predecessor,” said IHS iSuppli memory analyst Dee Robinson in an interview with EETimes web-site.
The per-pin data rate for DDR4 is specified as 1.6GT/s (giga transfers per second), an initial maximum data-rate plan of 3.2GT/s. With DDR3 exceeding its original targeted double data rate performance of 1.6GT/s, it is likely that higher performance speed grades will be added in into a DDR4 update. Other DDR4 attributes are reportedly tightly intertwined with the planned speed grades, enabling device functionality as well as application adoption, include: a pseudo open drain interface on the DQ bus, a geardown mode for 2,667MT/s per DQ and beyond, bank group architecture, internally generated VrefDQ and improved training modes.
"Going forward, the features are pretty much set, and we will do a little more fine-turning as well as add a few more speed bands. What ultimately decides whether there is a new specification rather than a revision is voltage supply and speed. If we are adding a feature, but not changing the voltage or the speed performance, then it will probably be an addendum to the spec,” said Scott Schaefer, a JEDEC committee member.
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