Texas Instruments Releases Next-Generation Double Data Rate SDRAM Clock Driver Device Allows Designers to Transition to the Faster PC300, PC333 DDR-II Standards
DALLAS, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN - news) enhanced its offering of clock driver circuits for PC memory chips by releasing its first device supporting double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random-access memories (SDRAMs). TI's new phase-locked loop (PLL) clock driver circuit provides up to 10 low-jitter, low-skew differential clock signals at speeds up to 170 megaHertz (MHz). The device not only enables designers to build next-generation dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) that support the PC200 and PC266 DDR-I bus standards, but also allows them to make the transition to the even faster PC300 and PC333 DDR-II standards.
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``TI has been a leader in worldwide clock driver support for the single data rate PC100 and PC133 standards,' said Fred Zust, TI's clock distribution circuit (CDC) marketing manager. ``This device now enables PC designers to take advantage of DDR's clear upgrade path to higher memory performance without the expensive reworking of DDR-I platforms.'
The device, designated as the CDC857, is designed using an advanced CMOS process that enables the highest performance available in the market for this type of device. A wide operating frequency allows designers to maximize performance in their systems. Extremely low jitter and low skew characteristics stabilize clock signals for improved timing margins. Up to 10 differential PLL clock outputs from a single input allow driving multiple SDRAM loads, and LVTTL/CMOS inputs provide system flexibility in signal selection. Two versions of the device support low-voltage operation at 2.5 and 3.3 volts. A power-down mode decreases power consumption by disabling the PLL during periods of low signal activity.
``TI has been a key participant in the definition and development of PLLs and other associated devices for registered memory modules,' said Mark Kellogg, senior member technical staff, IBM. ``TI's new PLL family is a key element in the development of industry-standard, 184-pin DDR-registered DIMMs, which are expected to be adopted in desktop, workstation and server applications in 2000. These new PLL's, in conjunction with PC200 and PC266 DDR-memory devices, will permit system data bandwidth of up to 2100 MBs from a single memory module.'
The DDR-I and II standards allow incremental development in PC memory subsystems from existing designs, saving development time and increasing the reliability of systems. In compliance with the DDR standards, the CDC857 clocks data on both the rising and falling edges of each signal, effectively doubling memory bandwidth over single data rate (SDR) devices operating at the same frequency. New PC200 DIMMs clocked by the CDC857 will be capable of providing up to 1.6 gigabytes per second (GBps) of data to the system, with up to 2.1 GBps available from PC266 DIMMs and even greater amounts in future from DDR-II DIMMs.
The CDC857 is the most advanced device in TI's full line of JEDEC-compliant clock drivers. In addition to supplying components, TI plays an active role in the development of the JEDEC specifications for PC-DDR devices, testing and test boards. As a result, TI devices are benchmarks in performance for memory and motherboard PLL clock distribution circuits.
``VIA Technologies, Inc. recognizes the clear evolutionary roadmap to higher performance offered by DDR,' said Dean Hays, director of marketing, Via Technologies. ``So we are pleased to see the smooth transition to DDR starting to occur and be supported by the various companies that offer support products such as clock chips.'
Logic Solutions for DDR SDRAMs
As the world-leading supplier in logic, TI is developing a portfolio of logic devices to support DDR SDRAM modules. The SSTL16857 and CBTLV38577, designed for 3.3V applications, will be the first register and FET switch to support DDR modules. The SSTL16857 14-bit register and the CBTLV3857 10-bit FET switch together with the CDC857 provides designers with a complete 184-pin DDR SDRAM memory module solution.
``By using the SSTL16857 and CBTLV3857, DDR SDRAM enables systems to achieve higher memory capacity by allowing individual DIMMS to be of higher density, thereby allowing more DIMM slots per system,' said Steve Hanke, director, worldwide marketing standard linear and logic for TI. ``TI is committed to providing logic solutions that meet the current and future needs of today's designers. In addition, TI also offers a wide range of reference guides and tools that make designers' jobs as simple as possible.'
Pricing and Availability
The CDC857 clock driver is available now from TI and its authorized distributors. The device is packaged in a 48-pin thin shrink small outline package (TSSOP). Suggested resale price is $5.59 in quantities of one thousand. More information on TI's family of clock distribution circuits can be found on the World Wide Web at ti.com.
Samples of the SSTL16857 and the CBTLV3857 are available now from TI and its authorized distributors. The SSTL16857 is packaged in a 48-pin TSSOP. Suggested resale price is $4.90 in quantities of one thousand. The CBTLV3857 is packaged in a 24-pin TSSOP. Suggested resale price for that device is $1.25 in quantities of one thousand. More information on TI's portfolio of logic devices for DDR can be found on the World Wide Web at ti.com.
The worldwide leader and pioneer in digital signal processing solutions since 1982, Texas Instruments provides innovative DSP and mixed signal/analog technologies to more than 30,000 customers in the computer, wireless communications, networking, Internet, consumer, digital motor control and mass storage markets worldwide. To help customers get to market faster, TI offers easy-to-use development tools and extensive software and hardware support, further complemented by close to 300 third-party DSP solutions providers.
Texas Instruments Incorporated is a global semiconductor company and the world's leading designer and supplier of, digital signal processing and analog technologies, the engines driving and digitalization of electronics. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company's business also include materials and controls, educational and productivity solutions, and digital imaging. The company has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http:www.ti.com.
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