Licensing deal aims to double DDR memory

VIA, S3 Graphics and Kentron collaborate on bandwidth hike

The bandwidth of existing double data rate (DDR) memory modules could soon be doubled following a licensing deal from VIA Technologies and S3 Graphics with Kentron Technologies.

The firms have licensed Kentron's DDR-based, Quad Band Memory (QBM) technology.

They have claimed this can be integrated into DDR chipsets, while maintaining the 64-bit structure common to most PCs, and that it will result in doubling the bandwidth for DDR modules without doubling the cost.

For system builders, it will mean modules operating at DDR 533 rates for the cost of current DDR 333 modules. New systems using QBM enabled chipsets from VIA and S3 Graphics will maintain backward compatibility with today's DDR modules.

"Compared to the other high performance alternatives, this architecture could produce the best price/performance for several years to come," said Bert McComas, founder of InQuest Market Research.

To help ensure worldwide availability, Kentron will provide DRAM and memory module manufacturers with the necessary tools under a royalty-free licence.

Jun Kitano, director of technical marketing at Elpida Memory, said: "QBM-enabled chipsets from VIA and S3 Graphics mark a milestone toward the implementation of QBM technology."