SMART MODULAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF RAMBUS RIMM MODULES
64MB & 128MB Direct Rambus RIMM Modules
Direct RDRAM Devices Will Provide a Peak Bandwidth of 1.6gb/Second
SMART Participates in Rambus Validation Program to Ensure System and
Component
Compatibility
FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- SMART Modular
Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMOD) announced today that it has begun
sampling 64MB and 128MB Direct Rambus(TM) RIMM(TM) memory modules. The
RIMM modules are manufactured with Direct RDRAM(TM) devices and run at
a speed of 1.6 GB per second of peak bandwidth, the memory industry's
highest speed. The RIMM modules will assist SMART's OEM customers in
developing and testing next-generation system platforms.
"As one of our established partners and a memory module industry
leader, we see SMART as key to the launch of Direct Rambus RIMM modules
in the marketplace," said Allen Roberts, Rambus' Vice President and
General Manager of the Memory Technology Division. "SMART's expertise
in design and test are critical to an OEM's successful implementation
of Rambus(R) modules into their systems and we are pleased to know that
the company has already commenced sampling," he continued.
Rambus RIMM modules provide three times the memory system performance
of today's SDRAM modules. Key applications for RIMMs include personal
computers, workstations and servers. The increasing popularity of
Rambus technology is reflected in forecasts provided by Cahners In-Stat
Group, which expects demand for Rambus DRAM devices to grow at a
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 141% to 2193 million devices by
the year 2002.
"Direct Rambus RIMM memory modules will play a significant role in the
future design of PCs, servers and workstations requiring high-speed
throughput," stated Bill Johnston, SMART's Vice President of Marketing.
"Similar to our participation in Intel's PC100 Validation Program for
the launch of PC100 modules, SMART continues to participate in the
Rambus Validation Program to ensure system and component compatibility
for maximized speed," continued Johnston.
SMART's Direct Rambus memory modules will incorporate Micro Ball Grid
Array/Chip Scale Packaging (micronBGA(R)/CSP) technology. In order to
minimize cost and maximize yield, SMART uses specialized surface-mount
equipment to assemble modules. For high-quality production, SMART has
also implemented advanced x-ray equipment to check solder connections
and to conduct 100% inspection accuracy of the double-sided RIMMs.
This system of examination applies multiple x-rays at different angles
to allow for thorough inspection of top and bottom devices. SMART
recently incorporated advanced test systems to ensure full-speed
functionality and high-quality Direct Rambus memory modules. SMART's
advanced test systems are capable of testing up to 1.3 GHz with a
measuring accuracy of +/- 50ps.
SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. is a leading independent manufacturer
of specialty and standard memory modules, Flash memory cards, high
performance embedded computer boards, as well as I/O product solutions.
SMART offers more than 500 products to leading OEMs in the computer,
networking and telecommunications industries. SMART has manufacturing
facilities in California, Puerto Rico, Scotland and Malaysia, design
centers in California and India, and sales organizations worldwide.
More information on SMART can be obtained on the Internet at
smartm.com.
NOTE: Rambus and RDRAM are registered trademarks of Rambus Inc.
Direct Rambus, Direct RDRAM and RIMM are trademarks of Rambus Inc.
micronBGA is a registered trademark of Tessera Inc.
SOURCE SMART Modular Technologies, Inc.
-0- 11/10/98 /CONTACT: Bill Johnston of
SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., 510-624-8104, or
bjohnston@smartm.com; or Jay Nichols of Sterling Communications, Inc.,
408-441-4100, or jnichols@sterlingpr.com, for SMART Modular
Technologies, Inc./
/Web site: smartm.com (SMOD)
CO: SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. ST: California IN: CPR MTC
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