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Computer Science

DDR5’s Secret Weapon: On-Die Termination (ODT) for Noise Reduction and Power Efficiency

DDR5’s Secret Weapon:On-Die Termination (ODT) for Noise Reduction and Power Efficiency

Enhancing data reliability and performance: Exploring On-die termination (ODT) in DDR5 memory

Signal integrity is more important as data is delivered at faster speeds in DDR5 memory. When there is an imbalance between the characteristic impedance of the transmission line and the impedance of the connected devices, signal reflections may happen. DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) memory modules and other high-speed digital systems use the on-die termination (ODT) technology to lessen signal reflections and enhance signal integrity.

By placing a termination resistor that matches the transmission line’s impedance right on the memory chip, on-die termination minimizes the possibility of signal reflections. Therefore, ODT is a crucial component for high-speed DDR5 memory systems since it aids in enhancing signal quality, decreasing signal ringing, and eventually allowing for higher data transfer speeds with less signal deterioration.  

To other circuity like RCV: DQ, DS, DM, TDQS

[Source: DDR5 Standard [JEDEC JESD79-5B_v1.20] Page 346 of 502]

P.S. You can refer to DDR5 Standard [JEDEC JESD79-5B_v1.20]: https://www.jedec.org/sites/default/files/docs/JESD79-5B_v1-2.pdf for further studies.     

With on-die termination (ODT), the termination resistor for transmission line impedance matching is housed inside a semiconductor chip as opposed to a printed circuit board (PCB). This termination resistor can be dynamically enabled or disabled depending on the settings of the memory controller and the particular needs of the memory bus.   

Types of On-Die Termination (ODT) in DDR5

There are two primary ODT implementation types in DDR5 memory:

ODT in parallel (PODT)

The conventional ODT technique used in earlier DDR memory generations is called Parallel On-Die Termination. The data lines on the memory chip are connected in parallel with a fixed termination resistor in PODT. Regardless of whether the ODT is activated or disabled, this resistor offers a constant impedance to the data lines. On a memory module, the termination value is commonly selected to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission lines.

Dynamic On-Die Termination (DODT)

It is a more sophisticated ODT technology that was introduced with DDR5 memory. When using DODT, the termination impedance can be changed dynamically, in contrast to PODT. According to the settings of the memory controller and the precise data transfer requirements at any given time, the termination resistor can be changed or turned on or off. With the aid of this dynamic management, signal integrity can be improved for a range of data rates and load situations.

PODT v. DODT

Parallel ODT:

  • The termination impedance in parallel ODT is constant and does not fluctuate.
  • In order to change between high and low termination impedances, a mode register set instruction is necessary.
  • The termination resistor is positioned on the motherboard in this example of the termination method.

Dynamic ODT:

  • The DRAM may flip between high and low termination impedance thanks to dynamic ODT without requiring a mode register set instruction.
  • It gives systems more freedom to choose the best termination values under various loading scenarios.
  • Without executing a mode register set instruction, it enables the DRAM to alternate between high and low termination impedance.
  • It simplifies and lowers the cost of the system design by reducing the amount of complicated wire and resistor parts on the motherboard.

In conclusion, the primary distinction between parallel ODT and dynamic ODT is that the former has a fixed termination impedance while the latter enables dynamic impedance switching without the requirement of a mode register set instruction. Increased flexibility and optimization for various loading circumstances are provided by dynamic ODT.

Key features of ODT in DDR5

Certainly! On-Die-Termination (ODT), which plays a critical part in guaranteeing dependable and effective high-speed data transmission, is particularly significant in DDR5 memory. ODT addresses several significant issues that develop as data transmission rates climb in contemporary memory systems. The following are the primary implications of ODT in DDR5:

Signal Reflection Reduction

Due to the nature of high-speed digital transmissions, signal reflections and impedance mismatches occur when data signals are carried across the memory bus. These reflections may deteriorate the quality of the delivered data and distort the signal. To lessen signal reflections and minimize data errors, ODT offers termination resistors that are directly attached to the memory chips and match the characteristic impedance of the transmission lines.

Data Reliability

Due to DDR5’s faster data transfer speeds, there is also a greater chance of data mistakes and corruption. Data distortions and signal ringing are reduced by proper termination utilizing ODT, resulting in more dependable data transfer and a lower probability of memory-related mistakes. ODT improves memory performance by allowing memory modules to run at their full specified speeds by reducing signal reflections and distortions.

Noise reduction

ODT aids in the memory system’s ability to filter out noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI). For signal quality to be maintained and to prevent data corruption or system instability, noise reduction is essential.

Power Efficiency

The Dynamic On-Die Termination (DODT) feature of DDR5 memory enables dynamic management of the termination impedance. DODT optimizes power usage by changing the termination parameters in accordance with the demands of the data transfer. The amount of unnecessary power dissipation is reduced, making the memory system more power-efficient.

Flexibility  

DODT provides more flexibility in memory operations because it is a dynamic implementation of ODT. Memory controllers offer superior adaptability to changing circumstances by adjusting termination settings for various memory configurations, data rates, and system loads.

Intellectual property trends for ODT

ODT in DDR5 is witnessing rapid growth in patent filing trends across the globe. Over the past few years, the number of patent applications almost getting doubled every two years.   

MICRON is a dominant player in the market with ~426 patents. So far, it has 2 times more patents than Intel. AMD is the third-largest patent holder in the domain.

Other key players who have filed for patents in DDR5 technology with ODT are SK Hynix, NVDIA, Samsung, IBM, Qualcomm and IBM.

Other key players who have filed for patents in DDR5 technology with ODT are SK Hynix, NVDIA, Samsung, IBM, Qualcomm and IBM

[Source: https://www.lens.org/lens/search/patent/list?q=on-die%20termination%20on%20DDR5%20memory]

Following are the trends of publication and their legal status over time:

[Source: https://www.lens.org/lens/search/patent/list?q=on-die%20termination%20on%20DDR5%20memory] 

These Top 10 companies own around 54% of total patents related to HBM. The below diagram shows these companies have built strong IPMoats in US jurisdiction, followed by China, European, Korea, and Germany jurisdiction.

[Source: https://www.lens.org/lens/search/patent/list?q=on-die%20termination%20on%20DDR5%20memory]

Conclusion

ODT is becoming more and more important as memory technologies develop. Strong signal integrity and effective data transmission become more crucial with each new memory generation and higher data rates. The use of ODT in DDR5 helps memory systems be prepared for future increases in performance and data transfer speeds. In conclusion, ODT helps to provide a stable and dependable memory system that can support the needs of contemporary computer applications by reducing signal reflections and noise.

Categories
Electronics

Wi-Fi Offloading: Boosting Connectivity, Saving Costs, and Easing Network Congestion

Connectivity, Saving Costs, and Easing Network Congestion

In an increasingly connected world, where our dependency on mobile devices and data use is rising, the demand for fast and dependable internet access is at an all-time high. But the study found that mobile networks frequently fail to keep up with increased demand, resulting in slower speeds, crowded networks, and disgruntled consumers.

To overcome this issue, WIFI offloading has emerged as a possible alternative. In this blog, we will look at the notion of WIFI offloading, its benefits, and how it works.

WIFI Offloading Understanding:

Wi-Fi offloading is the practice of using Wi-Fi hotspots to keep mobile devices connected. This can be done manually or by logging into a home or public Wi-Fi network. When a device moves from a cellular connection to Wi-Fi or small cell connectivity, such as when mobile traffic is offloaded to public hotspots.

WiFi offloading, or mobile data offloading, diverts cellular network traffic to WiFi networks, improving connectivity and reducing strain on mobile networks. This blog explores the benefits and mechanics of WiFi offloading.

Benefits of WiFi Offloading:

WiFi offloading offers several advantages.

  • It enhances connectivity by leveraging faster and more reliable WiFi networks, especially in areas with weak cellular signals.
  • It leads to cost savings by reducing mobile data consumption, as WiFi usage doesn’t count towards cellular data caps.
  • It reduces network congestion, improving overall network performance during peak usage. Finally, WiFi offloading can extend battery life on mobile devices, as transmitting data over WiFi is more energy-efficient.

How WiFi Offloading Works:

Mobile devices use network selection algorithms to determine the best connection when both cellular and WiFi options are available. Seamless handover ensures uninterrupted connectivity, as devices automatically switch from cellular to WiFi when a connection is available. Authentication protocols and security measures protect data while connected to WiFi networks.

If we speak in technical terms, WiFi offloading refers to a type of handover between a non-WiFi network and a WiFi network.

Mobile data offloading

Figure: 1. Mobile data offloading

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Description-of-Mobile-Data-Offloading_fig2_326030064

Let us look into Figure 1. This explains the offloading procedure, so assume that at time t, a mobile node (MN) seeks to initiate a data transfer session. While the cellular network is always presumed to be available, the WiFi network is only accessible when the MN is close enough to the WiFi coverage. The offloading technique employs a network selection algorithm based on Received Signal Strength (RSS).

Received Signal Strength: The Received Signal Strength (RSS) informs the receiver about the strength of the received signal, which represents the power of the signal at the receiving end.

Received Signal Strength (RSS) BLE Transmitter and Receiver

Source: https://pcng.medium.com/received-signal-strength-rss-8a306b12d520

Smartphone operating systems like Android, offer convenient access to the Received Signal Strength (RSS) value when the smartphone receives a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) packet. By utilizing the Android. Bluetooth SDK, we can retrieve this value through the RSSI variable.

The RSS values can provide valuable insights about the BLE transmitter. One practical application is estimating the distance between our smartphone and the BLE transmitter. We can collect the RSS values at various distances and employ curve-fitting methods to create a ranging model. Alternatively, a simple machine learning approach, such as linear regression, can be applied to learn the ranging model.

Conclusion:

WiFi offloading optimizes connectivity by diverting data traffic to WiFi networks. It offers benefits such as enhanced connectivity, cost savings, reduced network congestion, and improved battery life. As data demands increase, WiFi offloading proves valuable in providing seamless connectivity and addressing network limitations. WiFi offloading works by using network selection algorithms to determine the best connection and ensure seamless handover between cellular and WiFi networks. The Received Signal Strength (RSS) plays a crucial role in this process, providing information about the strength of the received signal.

Categories
Computer Science

Inside LPDDR5: Driving Forces of 5G and AI Revolution

Inside LPDDR5: Driving Forces of 5G and AI Revolution

Understanding LPDDR5: Powering the 5G and AI Revolution:

In the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, the combination of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping enterprises and empowering developments that were previously unimaginable. Vital to this combination is the role of LPDDR5 (Low Power Double Data Rate 5) memory, a state-of-the-art memory innovation that assumes an essential part in supporting the high-performance demands of 5G and artificial intelligence applications. This blog entry dives into the meaning of LPDDR5 in these spaces, investigates its future patterns, and analyzes the most recent improvements in its intellectual property (IP).

LPDDR5 Overview

LPDDR5 is the fifth generation of low-power, high-performance memory planned essentially for smartphones. It is a development of its ancestor, LPDDR4x, with critical enhancements as far as information rate, power effectiveness, and generally execution. LPDDR5 offers quicker information move rates, lower power utilization, and larger memory capacities compared to its predecessors, settling on it an ideal decision for applications requesting high data transfer capacity and low latency.

Role in 5G

The rollout of 5G networks has introduced another time of availability, empowering lightning-quick information move rates and super low inactivity. To completely tackle the capability of 5G, memory devices should be equipped with memory advances fit for taking care of the expanded data loads and rapid communication among memory devices and edge servers. LPDDR5, with its upgraded information rates and further developed energy proficiency, addresses these requests by giving the important memory data transfer capacity and responsiveness for 5G-empowered gadgets.

Enabling AI Applications

Artificial intelligence applications, including AI and neural networks, require enormous measures of data processing and storage capabilities. LPDDR5’s high information move rates and bigger memory limits add to accelerating AI tasks by giving the fundamental memory resources to putting away and controlling information during preparation and inference processes. This is critical for AI-driven functionalities-driven functionalities in gadgets, for example, smartphones, smart cameras, and IoT gadgets.

Future Trends in LPDDR5 Technology

Data Rate Advancements

The journey for higher data rates proceeds, as innovation organizations endeavor to push the limits of memory execution. LPDDR5 is supposed to see further iterations that proposition considerably quicker information move rates, empowering consistent 5G network and improved AI performance.

Energy Efficiency

While LPDDR5 as of now offers amazing energy, effectiveness contrasted with its predecessors, progressing research and development efforts aim to diminish power utilization considerably further. This is especially significant for broadening the battery duration of gadgets, particularly with regards to power-hungry 5G and AI workloads.

Integration with On-Device AI

As AI capabilities are coordinated straightforwardly into devices, LPDDR5 will assume a critical part in supporting on-gadget artificial intelligence errands. This includes not just giving the memory resources to AI operations but also improving memory access examples to upgrade general artificial intelligence execution.

LPDDR5 IP Developments and Legal Considerations  

WCK Clocking in LPDDR5

LPDDR5 uses a DDR data interface. The data interface uses two differential forwarded clocks (WCK_t/WCK_c) that are source synchronous to the DQs. DDR means that the data is registered at every rising edge of WCK_t and rising edge of WCK_c. WCK_t and WCK_c operate at twice or quadruple the frequency of the command/address clock (CK_t/CK_c).

Low Power Double Data Rate (LPDDR) 5/5X
https://www.jedec.org/sites/default/files/docs/JESD209-5C.pdf

IP Landscape of LPDDR5

The intellectual property landscape for LPDDR5 innovation is dynamic and advancing. Organizations in the semiconductor industry are continuously creating and licensing developments connected with LPDDR5 memory configuration, fabricating processes, and related advancements. Licensing agreements and cross-licensing arrangements assume a vital part in permitting organizations to get to and use these IP resources.

Patent Challenges and Litigations  

With the rising competitive nature of the innovation business, patent disputes and litigations can emerge. Organizations should be cautious in surveying the potential infringement risks related to LPDDR5-related technologies and ought to participate in due diligence before creating items to stay away from legal complications.

Licensing Strategies  

Licensing LPDDR5-related IP is a typical methodology for organizations to get to the innovation without wasting time. Licensing arrangements frame the terms under which an organization can utilize licensed innovations, and they might include royalty payments or other monetary considerations. Developing a sound licensing procedure is fundamental to guarantee that organizations can use LPDDR5 innovation while regarding IP rights. Intel Corp. holds a maximum number of patents followed by Samsung and Micron.

IP Trends (Company vs Number of Patents)
https://www.lens.org/lens/search/patent/list?q=Application%20of%20LPDDR5%20memory&n=10 )
Patent legal status over time
Patent Publication status over time
https://www.lens.org/lens/search/patent/list?q=Application%20of%20LPDDR5%20memory&n=10

Conclusion

The integration of 5G and AI is revolutionizing businesses and changing the manner in which we connect with technology. LPDDR5 memory technology remains as a basic empowering influence of this change, giving the high-performance memory capabilities expected to help the requests of 5G network and AI applications. As LPDDR5 innovation keeps on developing, with headways in information rates and energy productivity, it will be interesting to observe how it shapes the future of mobile devices, IoT, and other AI-driven advancements. Organizations should likewise explore the complex landscape of LPDDR5-related intellectual property, going with informed choices to cultivate advancement while mitigating legal risks. The journey ahead guarantees invigorating improvements at the crossing point of LPDDR5, 5G, and artificial intelligence, with profound implications for innovation and society alike.