The Rambus LPDDR5T/5X/5 memory controller is the latest addition to the Rambus portfolio of industry-leading interface and security digital IP for AI 2.0.
Background to LPDDR
Looking back over the most recent developments in the memory landscape, we can clearly see one key trend. New applications become sufficiently important to command the creation of new memory technologies tailored to their specific needs. We saw this with the creation of GDDR for graphics and later HBM for AI training. Low-Power Double Data Rate (LPDDR) emerged as a specialized memory designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The evolution of LPDDR has been driven primarily by the need for higher performance and lower power consumption in mobile phones which have become increasingly sophisticated computing devices. Each new generation of LPDDR has delivered the bandwidth and capacity needed for major shifts in the mobile user experience from social media and gaming, to 4K and now even 8K video.
LPDDR in the Era of AI 2.0
Once again, LPDDR is at the forefront of another key shift as the next wave of generative AI applications will be built into our mobile phones and laptops. AI on end points is all about efficient inference.The process of employing trained AI models to make predictions or decisions requires specialized memory technologies with greater performance that are tailored to the unique demands of endpoint devices. Memory for AI inference on endpoints requires getting the right balance between bandwidth, capacity, power and compactness of form factor.
LPDDR5: Features & Evolution in Market
LPDDR evolved from DDR memory technology; LPDDR5, and the optional extension LPDDR5X, are the most recent updates to the standard. Fifth generation LPDDR is focused on improving performance, power and flexibility. LPDDR5/LPDDR5X offer data rates up to 8.533 Gbps, significantly boosting speed and performance. Given the space considerations of mobile, combined with greater memory needs for advanced applications, LPDDR5X can support capacities of up to 64GB by using multiple DRAM dies in a multi-die package. And that’s not all, we’re seeing LPDDR5 continue to evolve in the market with the major memory vendors having announced additional extensions to LPDDR5 known as LPDDR5T, with the T standing for turbo.
With its low power consumption and high bandwidth capabilities, LPDDR5 is a great choice of memory not just for cutting-edge mobile devices, but also for AI inference on end points where power efficiency and compact form factor are crucial considerations.
Rambus LPDDR5 IP: Boosting LPDDR5 to 9.6 Gbps Performance
Rambus offers digital controller IP for LPDDR5T/5X/5 and LPDDR4/4X that are fully optimized for use in applications requiring high memory throughput and low latency. The Rambus LPDDR5T/5X/5 Controller boosts performance to 9.6 Gbps enabling cutting edge LPDDR5 memory devices. The cores support channel densities up to and including 32Gb per channel and can be delivered fully integrated and verified with the target LPDDR PHY. Add-on cores such as an AXI Core Bus Interface, Multi-Port Front-End and In-Line ECC core are also available as additional options.
For more information, visit our LPDDR IP product page.
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