SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. and ServerWorks Launch DDR Validation Program for DRAM Suppliers
Monday, April 24, 2000 9:45 AM EST
FREMONT, Calif., Apr 24, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Validation Program Provides Memory Compatibility Guidelines
and Verification of DDR SDRAMs Specifications
SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned company of Solectron Corporation's technology solutions business unit (NYSE:SLR), and ServerWorks Corp. announced today the launch of an extensive DDR validation program that is offered at no charge to DRAM suppliers.
This validation program, which is optional for DRAM suppliers, was established both to verify that new DDR devices are compliant with the JEDEC open standard for DDR and to ensure the compatibility of DDR SDRAMs with ServerWorks' ServerSets. As an independent, third-party validation test facility of DDR SDRAM modules, SMART lends confidence to OEMs that such modules passing certain tests comply with critical DDR SDRAM specifications. Results of validation testing will be posted on the ServerWorks' web site at: www.ServerWorks.com.
DDR SDRAM validation testing faced a few new challenges that did not exist with previous generations of DRAM. Critical test issues included measuring the strobe to data skew (tDQSQ), data alignment, WRT clock, and measuring a wide range of input and I/O capacitance values.
"Some of the DDR parameters are guaranteed by design, but passing the validation test process can offer further assurances that tested DDR SDRAMs have met key specifications," stated Steve Tomashot, senior engineer, Memory Applications & Development at IBM Microelectronics. "IBM has put significant resources into generating JEDEC-supported DDR device and DIMM specifications. Our experience with previous validation efforts by SMART have been positive, and we look forward to working with them on DDR."
Industry-wide support for enabling DDR SDRAM has been very strong primarily because DDR is an evolutionary upgrade from the traditional SDRAM architecture. Many companies have cooperatively developed the infrastructure required to implement DDR, including activities such as creating a common DDR datasheet and developing industry-standard gerbers. DDR logic support chips, module connectors and a clock reference board are also part of that infrastructure. Consequently, this validation program is expected to encourage continued compatibility among the various DRAM vendors.
The first phase of this validation program will focus on device-level characterization. SMART's characterization test program will determine whether device specifications have been met and whether such devices are in compliance with JEDEC DDR SDRAM specifications and timing parameters. This device-level testing also checks overall system integrity by identifying and isolating any potential non-conformance characteristics. The second phase of this validation program includes module-level testing of Registered DIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Modules). System-level testing of the DDR Registered DIMMs is also available for specific OEM system designs.
"Independent memory validation is an important final step in the development of a common DDR standard," noted Larry Shintaku, chief technology officer for Hewlett-Packard's NetServer Division. "The ServerWorks/SMART validation program will promote high quality and robustness of DDR and will facilitate a smooth launch of our next generation servers."
"As a member of JEDEC and AMI2, SMART is committed to advancing new memory technologies," stated Pat Moran, SMART's Engineering Test Manager. "SMART has an ongoing history of providing high-level, enabling test services. These services have included validation program support for PC100, PC133, and Rambus technologies. The start of a DDR validation program showcases the results of SMART's efforts to provide leading-edge engineering and test support."
"Compaq has a long history of supporting industry standards and views DDR as key technology for the foreseeable future in our server platforms," stated Ken Jansen, director of Advanced System and Design, Industry Standard Server Division Compaq Computer Corporation. "We have a strong relationship with ServerWorks and view in a positive light ServerWorks' participation in this third party DDR validation program."
"ServerWorks is committed to DDR memory for its next-generation ServerSets," stated David Pulling, executive vice president of Marketing for ServerWorks. "DDR offers the high reliability, high performance and large memory capacity required by the very demanding server market. This DDR validation program will provide key benchmark testing to ensure DRAM-to-chipset compatibility. OEMs will benefit by knowing that there will be a high degree of compatibility with the validated DDR modules."
About SMART
SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. is a wholly owned operating company within the technology solutions business unit of Solectron Corporation (NYSE:SLR). SMART, a leading independent manufacturer of memory and I/O products, offers more than 500 products to leading OEMs in the computer, networking and telecommunications industries. The memory product line includes specialty and standard DRAM, Flash memory and SRAM modules and Flash memory cards. The I/O product line includes standard and custom wireless and wireline communications devices and modular I/O sub-systems for client-side and central office applications. SMART operates several specialized manufacturing and design facilities and has access to the worldwide manufacturing operations of Solectron Corporation. More information on SMART can be obtained on the Internet at smartmodulartech.com.
About ServerWorks
ServerWorks Corp. (formerly Reliance Computer Corp.) the world's leading independent supplier of high-performance core logic for Intel(R)-based servers and workstations, has delivered more than two million ServerSet(TM) chipsets since its inception in 1995. Its recently introduced ServerSet(TM) III architecture allows OEMs to address a wide range of market requirements with a single family of compatible core logic devices. ServerWorks products form the basis for entry-level and mid-range servers offered by top-tier server suppliers, including Compaq, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intergraph and NEC. Privately held ServerWorks is based in Santa Clara, Calif.
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