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-READ AT OWN RISKS- (PART I)
The following is taken from a H&Q report on RMBS, issued by R. Chaplinsky on June 9. As many of you know, Rob is the principal semiconductor analyst for H&Q. He was formerly with Intel Cororation.
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Market Overview
* The widening gap between the speed of microprocessors and the access rime of memory chips has led to unbalanced systems due to the DRAM memory subsystem's inability to feed the data to the microprocessor and other logic processors fast enough to keep up with processing demand. This is known as the "DRAM-processor performance gap." THis issue compounds as the industry evolves to faster microprocessors, more data intensive visual computing, and higher integration to deliver smaller and lower cost portable devices.
Technology Overview
Rambus Inc first recognized the DRAM-processor performance gap 7 year ago and believed that it was becoming an increasingly more significant issue for the computing and entertainment industries. At that time, the company began focusing on a system level solution to address this problem. Rambus realized that the amount of data that could be moved into and out of the main memory depended upon both the width of the interface as well as its speed. They developed a hihg-speed narrow memory interconnect technology that is used to build very high-speed/low latency DRAM, termed "RDRAM" that is only 8 or 9 bits wide but can run at 500-600 MHZ.
The Rambus solution replaces costly memory subsystems and interconnects with a single standard, high performance interface that transfers data over a narrow bus. This solution has three main elements: the Rambus Channel, the Rambus interface, and RDRAM. The elements are employed on conventional CMOS ICs and printed circuit boards (PCB) processes to achieve high performance at low costs.
TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS
High Performance
Rambus interface technology currently allows data transfers of up to 600 megabytes per second between a logic IC and DRAMs by transferring data at a frequency of 600 MHz over the Rambus channel. Rambus technology is scalable such that performance can be enhanced by applying Rambus interface technology to multiple channels on a logic IC.
Open Standard
Rambus makes its technology avilable to established DRAM and logic IC companies. Therefore, Tambus ICs are available to system companies from IC manufacturers that has obtained a license from Rambus.
Cost Effectiveness
Rambus technology can enable systems companies to significantly improve system cost-effectiveness through the reduction of the number of pins per logic device, the use of few DRAMs for greater density, and a simplified board design and layout. For example, Nintendo beieves the Rambus technology provides them with a $24 cost advantage over Sony's Playstation, which would translate to over $144 MM in savings based on an estimated 6 MM unit shipment rate.
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To be continued.
Ibexx
PS: The purpose of posting the above is to share information, not to advocate buying or selling of this stock. Please read at your own risks. |
