DRAM Technologies and Operations (DS56-6-0)

SynopsisWith operating frequency of microprocessor advancing into the GHz range, there is a correspondingly need to improve the bandwidth performance of its associated circuitries. One of the important items in a modern day microprocessor-based systems is the main memory system that utilizes the SDRAM technology.

To keep up with the demand of higher operating speed, various new memory technologies have been introduced in recent time. Dynamic RAMs, which are extensively used in the main memory of the computer system, has evolved progressively from the various asynchronous DRAM to the synchronous SDRAM, and further advances to DDR, DDR2 and the latest DDR3 SDRAM.

Course Highlight
This course will first provide an overview of the memory technologies. DRAM internal operation will then be presented follows by an historical overview of the asynchronous DRAM operation, and its evolution to the synchronous SDRAM. Detailed description on the various SDRAM families' (DDR, DDR2 and DDR3) important features, their operations and interface requirements will be the main focus of the course. Also covered in the course include the various memory modules, and the new family of low power SDRAM. An overview of memory controller design issues will also be included to let the audience appreciate the challenges in using the latest high speed SDRAM.

What previous participants say about this course
Answers to the question 'what did you like most about the course'

• "Lots of details. The is from history to present, good sequence arrangement" - 5 Jul 06
• "Systematic approach in presentating different level of DRAM technologies (from old to new) makes thing to easier understand" - 23 Jul 07
• "Simple to understand & the material as well info was very good" - 23 Jul 07
• "Technology evolution DDR - DDR3" - 29 Apr 08
• "Course topic overall flow is good, including appendix section" - 4 Dec 08
• "The course goes through DRAM technology from the past all the way to a newer DRAM available now." - 12 Dec 09
• "Overall, covers most of the things on DRAM and also some other things that are not DRAM, but good to know" - 20 May 10
• "Detailed explanations about DDR fundamentals" - 24 Jul 12

What You Will Learn

• An overall picture of how and why different types of memory is used in a typical computer system
• DRAM technologies and the progressive evolution from the original DRAM up to the DDR3 SDRAM
• Detailed operations of the SDR, DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 SDRAM, including the timing analysis and command programming required to utilize these devices

Who Should AttendTechnicians and engineers, who work with computer systems and embedded systems that utilize the DRAM in the role of:

• design and development
• product engineering
• application engineering
• testing and test development
• product marketing
• system architect

PrerequisiteTechnical background or working experience with computer systems or embedded systems.

Course MethodologyThis course is presented in classroom style, with discussion on the concepts taught.

Course Duration2 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1

• Overview of PC system architecture and memory technologies
• Internal operation of DRAM
• Overview of asynchronous DRAMs' operation and their deficiencies
• SDR SDRAM devices and operations
• SDR basic read write cycles
• SDRAM interfacing signals and mode register
• SDRAM commands and initialization
• Memory modules organization
• Low power DRAM

• DDR and DDR2 SDRAM devices and operations
• Comparison between SDRAM and DDR SDRAM (functions, specification, commands, interface signals and timing)
• Signal integrity and termination requirements
• ODT and OCD features
• DDR3 new features (fly-by topology, write leveling and driver calibration)
• Power management consideration
• Memory controller design and interfacing issues
• GDDR overview and its unique features