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  • Author Author: rscasny
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Poll: Are You More Interested In Learning about DDR4 or DDR5 Memory Technology?

Development of next-generation memory technology is being driven by the growth of cloud and enterprise data center applications, artificial intelligence, autonomous cars, augmented reality, embedded vision, and High Performance Computing (HPC). Dual Data Rate (DDR) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) technology is the de facto memory used in almost all applications, from data-center to mobile use cases. This is due to DDR’s high density and straightforward architecture (using a capacitor as a storage element), low latency, and low-power consumption. DDR4 is the most current iteration of DDR technology, with DDR5 at being rolled out in 2021. Let's mention of few key facts about each:

 

  • DDR4 delivers higher performance, higher DIMM capacities, improved data integrity and lower power consumption.. LPDDR4 is the mobile equivalent of DDR4 memory. New features enhanced DDR4 memory’s signal integrity and improved the stability of data transmission/access.
  • DDR5 once again extends the capabilities of DDR memory, doubling the peak memory speeds while greatly increasing memory sizes as well. Compared to its predecessor DDR4 SDRAM, DDR5 is planned to reduce power consumption, while doubling bandwidth. DDR5 doubles the bandwidth of DDR4, which tops out at 3.2 Gbps.

 

Poll Question: element14 is planning on some educational activities on DDR4 memory. What should be the emphasis: DDR4, DDR5, or a little of both?

  • DDR4 is a bit outdated compared to DDR5. DDR4 probably has accumulated large amount of guides and other resources, writing about newer version is probably more prudent.

  • While DDR4 and DDR5 are great advances in technology, they mean very little to me (sure I can see them leading to faster and more capable PCs, just to further the bloat of programs that continue gobble up all the memory and MIPs that you add).  I tend to be a small microprocessor guy, who is more excited about squeezing more power from small and highly efficient designs.  Throughout my professional career I was the voice of the minority arguing for getting more bang from a smaller budget as opposed to just throwing more money into larger memory and higher speeds to support the constant bloat of inefficient designs.

     

    I am not opposed to new technologies, but it seems to me that the majority of this community is not likely to be designing circuits that would be utilizing DDR4 or DDR5.  I think that only a small handful would be capable of handling or needing DDR3 in their designs.  I could be wrong.

     

    Personally, I am always looking for more information and learning modules on sensors, drivers and various peripherals that enhance the ability of designs to be aware of and react to their environments.

  • DDR4 is interesting. DDR5 is overkill.

     

    Wouldn't mind learning about these.