TYPES OF DYNAMIC RAM (DRAM)

SYNCHRONOUS DRAM (SDRAM)

In late 1996, SDRAM began to appear in microcomputers. Unlike earlier types of DRAM,
SDRAM is designed to synchronize itself with the timing of the CPU. This enables the memory
controller to know the exact clock cycle when the requested data will be ready, so the CPU no
longer has to wait between memory accesses. SDRAM chips also take advantage of interleaving
and burst mode functions, which make memory retrieval even faster. SDRAM modules come in
several different speeds so as to synchronize itself with the CPU's bus they'll be used in. For
example, PC66 SDRAM runs at 66MHz, PC100 SDRAM runs at 100MHz, PC133 SDRAM runs
at 133MHz, and so on. SDRAM speeds of up to 266MHz are possible. The maximum speed that
SDRAM will run is limited by the bus speed of the computer. SDRAM is the most common
type of DRAM found in todays personal computers.
DOUBLE DATA RATE SYNCHRONOUS DRAM (DDR SDRAM)
DDR SDRAM is a new type of SDRAM technology that supports data transfers on both edges of
each clock cycle (the rising and falling edges), effectively doubling the memory chip's data
throughput. For example, with DDR SDRAM, a 100 or 133MHz memory bus clock rate yields
an effective data rate of 200MHz or 266MHz. DDR SDRAM uses additional power and ground
lines and requires 184-pin DIMM modules rather than the 168-pin DIMMs used by SDRAM.
DDR SDRAM also consumes less power, which makes it well suited to notebook computers.
DIRECT RAMBUS (RDRAM)
RDRAM is a new DRAM architecture and interface standard that challenges traditional main
memory designs. It transfers data at speeds up to 800MHz over a narrow 16-bit bus called a
Direct Rambus Channel. This high-speed clock rate is possible due to a feature called "double
clocked," which allows operations to occur on both the rising and falling edges of the clock
cycle. Rambus is designed to fit into existing motherboard standards. The components that are
inserted into motherboard connections are called Rambus in-line memory modules (RIMMs).
They replace conventional DIMMs.
DDR SDRAM and RDRAM compete in the high performance end of the microcomputer market.
RDRAM with its 800 MHz speed over a narrow 16-bit bus has similar performance
characteristics to the DDR SDRAM with its 400 MHz speed over a 64-bit bus. Because of its
new architecture a RDRAM system is somewhat more expensive than DDR SDRAM. Many
computer companies make high-end microcomputers with both memory systems and let the
consumer make their choice.

MEASURING THE SPEED OF DRAM

Prior to SDRAM, memory speed was expressed by access time, measured in nanoseconds (ns).
A memory module's access time indicates the amount of time it takes the module to deliver on a
data request. So, smaller numbers indicate faster access times. Typical speeds were 80ns, 70ns,
and 60ns. Beginning with the development of SDRAM technology, memory module speed has
been measured in megahertz (MHz).