RAM»SDRAM

SDRAM


SDRAM Memory

Single Data Rate SDRAM can accept one command and transfer one word of data per clock cycle. Typical clock frequencies are 100 and 133 MHz. Chips are made with a variety of data bus sizes (most commonly 4, 8 or 16 bits), but chips are generally assembled into 168-pin DIMMs that read or write 64 (non-ECC) or 72 (ECC) bits at a time.

Use of the data bus is intricate and requires a complex DRAM controller. This is because data written to the DRAM must be presented in the same cycle as a write command, but reads produce output 2 or 3 cycles after the read command. The DRAM controller must ensure that the data bus is never required for a read and a write at the same time.

Number of Pins

168 and 184

Installation

Speed

Typical SDR SDRAM clock speeds are 66, 100, and 133 MHz (15, 10, and 7.5 ns/cycle). Speeds up to 150 MHz were available for overclockers.

Compatibility

As of 2007, 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs are not used in new PC systems, and 184-pin DDR memory has been mostly superseded. DDR2 SDRAM is the most common type used with new PCs, and DDR3 motherboards and memory are widely available, but more expensive than still-popular DDR2 products.

Available Memory Sizes