Digital ICs/DSP: Reduced-Height DDR2 DIMMs Ease Airflow In Low-Profile Systems

May 26, 2005

A low-profile second-generation double-data-rate registered dual-inline memory module (DIMM) stands only 0.72 in. (18.29 mm) above the circuit board. The low height makes the DIMM a good solution for system memory in 1U blade servers and in network switching systems. Available in a 32-, 64-, or 128-Mword by 72-bit configuration, the 240-contact modules are based on 256-Mbit, 512-Mbit, and 1-Gbit DDR2 SDRAMs that are housed in fine-pitch ball-grid-array packages. Data-transfer speed grades include PC2-3200, 4300, 5300, and 6400 (200, 266, 333, and 400 MHz, respectively). The low-profile design allows the modules to be vertically mounted, improving the airflow in the low-profile enclosures. Prices start at $90 apiece for the 256-Mbyte module and go up to $325 each for the 1-Gbyte unit in quantities of 1000 units.

White Electronic Designs Corp.www.wedc.com

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.