DRAM Technologies and Operations (DS56-6-0)

SynopsisWith operating frequency of microprocessor advancing into the GHz range, there is a correspondingly need to improve the bandwidth performance of its associated circuitries. One of the important items in a modern day microprocessor-based systems is the main memory system that utilizes the SDRAM technology.

To keep up with the demand of higher operating speed, various new memory technologies have been introduced in recent time. Dynamic RAMs, which are extensively used in the main memory of the computer system, has evolved progressively from the various asynchronous DRAM to the synchronous SDRAM, and further advances to the current DDR SDRAM and the latest DDR2 SDRAM, with DDR3 technology targeted to be widely available in 2006.

Course Highlight
This course will first provide an overview of the PC system architecture. Memory system design issues like bank interleave used in computer system will then be presented. Discussion of the various DRAM technologies and their detail operations will then be covered. This will start with the original asynchronous DRAM and its variants (EDO & FPM), and its evolution to the SDR, DDR and DDR2 SDRAM. An introduction to DDR3 will also be presented to prepare the audience with the impeding arrival of this latest DRAM technology.

What previous participants say about this course
Answers to the question 'what did you like most about the course'

• "It covers basic stuffs to more advanced stuffs" - 13 Jul 05
• "Easy to understand, good coverage of basics & practical usage" - 13 Jul 05
• "The teaching material is clear, straight forward and easy yo understand" - 5 Jul 06
• "Up to date information on the latest technologies available in the market" - 5 Jul 06
• "Lots of details. The is from history to present, good sequence arrangement" - 5 Jul 06
• "Systematic approach in presentating different level of DRAM technologies (from old to new) makes thing to easier understand" - 23 Jul 07
• "Simple to understand & the material as well info was very good" - 23 Jul 07
• "Technology evolution DDR - DDR3" - 29 Apr 08

What You Will Learn

• An overall picture of how and why different types of memory is used in a typical computer system
• DRAM technologies and the progressive evolution from the original DRAM up to the DDR2 SDRAM
• Detailed operations of the SDR, DDR and DDR2 SDRAM, including the timing analysis and command programming required to utilize these devices

Who Should AttendTechnicians and engineers, who work with computer systems and embedded systems that utilize the DRAM in the role of :

• design and development
• product engineering
• application engineering
• testing and test development
• product marketing
• system architect

PrerequisiteTechnical background or working experience with computer systems or embedded systems.

Course MethodologyThis course is presented classroom style, with discussion on the concepts taught.

Course Duration2 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1

• Overview of PC System Architecture
• Memory Hierarchy (Register, Cache, Main Memory)
• DRAM Technologies
• Physical structure of DRAM memory cell
• Roles of sense amplifier in DRAM
• Concepts of Row, Column, Page
• Concepts of Memory Banks, Memory Interleave and Burst Access
• Basic DRAM Devices Operations
• Operation of Asynchronous DRAM
• Basic Control and Interface signals (RAS, CAS etc)
• Basic Timing analysis - access time and hold time
• Advantage of FPM DRAM and EDO DRAM
• Deficiency of Asynchronous DRAM
• SDRAM Devices and Operations
• Basic Read Write Cycles
• Access time analysis and comparison with DRAM
• Control Methods of SDRAM (Interfacing Signals and Mode Register)
• SDRAM Commands
• SDRAM Initialization
• Various Operation Modes and Timings

• DDR SDRAM Devices and Operations
• Comparison between SDRAM and DDR SDRAM (Functions, Specification, Commands, interface signals and Timing)
• Device features
• Power Up initialization
• Commands Operations
• SDRAM Initialization
• Operation Mode and Timings
• DDR2 SDRAM Devices and Operations
• Comparison between DDR SDRAM and DDR2 SDRAM
• ODT and OCD features
• Power Up initialization
• Commands Operations
• Operation Mode and Timings
• DDR3 SDRAM - Introduction
• Limitation of DDR2
• Pseudo Open Drain
• Signal Swing