Micron unveils DDR3 chips
Memory manufacturer releases a 'world first' in memory components
Memory maker Micron has introduced the world’s first 1Gb double data rate (DDR) 3 memory module, designed for the next generation of high-end PCs, servers and high-definition TVs (HDTVs).
Compared with DDR2 memory, DDR3 will be faster and consume less power. The first DDR3 module was produced in early 2005 by Samsung. It can process data at more than 1Gb per second, making it twice as fast as DDR2 DRam and four times faster than DDR.
Micron’s DDR3 products will support data rates of 800 mega-transfers per second (MT/s) to 1,600 MT/s with clock frequencies of 400MHz to 800MHz respectively, double that of DDR2. At DDR3’s top speed, a 100,000-page document can be transferred in approximately one second. The DDR3 supply voltage has been reduced from 1.8V to 1.5V, which will reduce power consumption by up to 30 per cent. The device will be manufactured on Micron’s 78nm process technology.
Brian Shirley, vice-president of Micron’s memory group, said: “We are excited to introduce the world’s first 1Gb DDR3 components.
“Micron’s strength in advanced DRam technology has given us the industry leading position in high-density memory solutions.”
Shane Rau, senior analyst at market-watcher IDC, said: “Early 2007 should see the arrival of memory-thirsty computing and consumer applications, such as Microsoft’s anticipated Vista operating system.
“DDR3 will initially benefit the server, notebook and desktop markets and will then reach consumer applications such as graphics and HDTVs.”
Evaluation samples of Micron’s 1Gb DDR3 components are shipping to some partners now with production expected to begin early next year. They will be available in various output configurations (x4, x8 and x16), and will be fully compliant with the most recent JEDEC DDR3 specifications. Densities supported will run from 512Mb to 4GB through several module types including fully buffered dual in-line memory modules and registered dual in-line memory modules.
Micron claimed that a 2Gb DDR3 device will also ship early next year. The market for DDR3 memory is in its infancy though since DDR2 memory was slow to take off and it will be years before it replaces DDR as the main memory type.
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