IDT Introduces Fast Multiplexer for DDR4 NVDIMM Technology

Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT) introduced a high-speed multiplexer that expands the company’s existing portfolio of DDR4 products targeting the nascent NVDIMM (non-volatile dual in-line memory module) ecosystem.

Additionally, Micron Technology, Inc. has selected IDT as its supplier for NVDIMM multiplexers, which target the enterprise and cloud server markets.

NVDIMM is an architecture that provides data persistence to DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) by allowing data to be backed up to non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, during special events including catastrophic power failure. Multiplexers are key components of NVDIMM architecture, isolating the host controller from the DRAM memory during ‘save’ and ‘restore’ operations between DRAM and non-volatile memory.

Multiplexers have traditionally placed a burden on the signal integrity of the memory channel, which can compromise the speed of the operation. IDT’s high-speed multiplexer is designed to mitigate the signal integrity impact to the memory channel while enabling DDR4 NVDIMM applications to run at bus rates of up to 2,133 MT/s (megatransfers per second) and beyond.

“Micron is committed to improving the performance of applications and systems by leveraging persistent memory,” said Robert Feurle, VP, compute and networking marketing, Micron. “Our team as worked closely with IDT to develop a new high-speed multiplexer. This new multiplexer will be used on Micron DDR4 NVDIMM products.“

The 12-bit bus switch/multiplexer comes in a VFBGA 48-pin package, for a compact footprint that can replace data buffers on the DIMM for NVDIMM applications. It features a make-before-break circuit that prevents glitches when switching, and AC and DC parameters optimized for DDR4, enabling the highest possible memory channel performance for NVDIMMs even when intermixed with other DIMM types.

“The potential of persistent main memory in server and storage systems is in the very early innings of being realized,” said Rami Sethi, VP and GM, memory interface products, IDT. “As a leading component supplier for DDR4 NVDIMMs, including NVDIMM registered clock drivers (RCD), temperature sensors and now multiplexers, we have diligently worked with leading companies like Micron to develop solutions that deliver best-in-class performance in both homogeneous and heterogeneous memory channel populations.“