October 26, 1998, Issue: 1132
Section: Products -- Interconnect
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Molex connectors to ease shift to Rambus modules
Molex Inc. has developed and begun marketing connectors that will ease the expected transition to Rambus memory technology. It's a connector that will accept either SDRAM or Rambus memory modules.
Many believe the Rambus in-line memory module (RIMM) will become the successor to the single- and dual-in-line memory modules, but there will be a transitional period in which synchronous RIMMs (SRIMMs) will provide a bridge technology.
Many of the leading PC providers are planning to shift to Rambus memory technology, driven by Intel's decision to put Rambus support in its chipsets. But Rambus chips are not expected to ship in high volumes for awhile.
For its contribution to this transitional period, Molex has developed connectors that will house memory modules that hold RAM chips, yet are mechanically and electrically compatible with RIMMs. These SRIMM sockets are also the same size as DIMM sockets.
While RIMMs have 168 contacts, SRIMM sockets have 184 connection points. The extra contacts are needed to let common SDRAM chips communicate by means of RIMM connections.
The SRIMM sockets also have the speed needed for Rambus devices, providing transmission speeds of 800 MHz and 1.6-Gbyte/s peak bandwidth. This means that if RIMMs are inserted into these SRIMM sockets, they will operate correctly, since the 16 additional contacts are in an area where RIMMs don't have electrical connections.
To run at those high frequencies, Molex has employed two types of contacts within the connector. The contacts for power and ground are larger than those used for signals. Using larger power and ground contacts makes these contacts look more like ground planes. This helps reduce crosstalk and interference, which become more of a problem as frequencies rise.
Executives at Lisle, Ill.-based Molex think the SRIMMs will have a fairly short lifetime. But they will be opening up the market for what's expected to be a major product for the connector company, which will also make RIMM sockets.
"We see volumes in the first year ramping very quickly, and we've taken a worldwide approach to answer that," said Kevin Alberts, product manager at Molex's Data Products Division.
The connectors have dual latches and metal forklocks for secure connections. Gold plating is also standard. In quantities of 25,000, socket connectors are priced at $1.95, with eight-week lead times.
(800) 786-6539
www.molex.com
Copyright ® 1998 CMP Media Inc.
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