Elpida Memory announced the first commercial DDR-II SDRAM memory chips for using in graphics cards and notebook graphics applications. The devices incorporate "GDDR2-M" technology, featuring an innovative low-power termination scheme and a new data inversion technology that was jointly developed with ATI Technologies specifically for higher-end mobile graphics solutions that require high speed, but need to sustain power consumption on low level.

GDDR2-M memory design is similar to DDR-II SDRAM, but also implements a couple of innovations, such as enhanced On-Die Termination (ODT) and new data inversion technology. The former minimizes the direct current (DC) power at the termination circuit allowing manufacturers to utilise smaller PCBs for graphics applications, while the latter capability alters the pattern of data that flows between the memory and VPU to minimize data flipping (switching), resulting in 50%  less noise and lower power versus devices that do not use this technology.

Elpida's new 128Mb DDR-II SDRAM devices are organized as 1 048 576 words x 32 bits x 4 banks. The three new devices (DC0122A-35, DC0122A-40, DC0122A-45) are available now in sample quantities in 350, 400 and 450 MHz versions to match the performance of the latest VPUs, delivering high-bandwidth performance of 700, 800 or 900Mb/s respectively. Using Elpida's 0.13 micron process technology, the new devices offer low-voltage operation (VDDQ = 1.8V, VDD = 2.5V) as well as low memory power consumption (only 1.7W for the 350 and 400 MHz versions) which is particularly important for notebook computers. The new devices have burst read/write operation, a burst length (BL) of 4, and sequential burst sequences. Data strobes (DQS) for both read and write are available, resulting in reliable, high-speed bus designs. The devices operate with a fixed / CAS latency (CL) of 6. They also have 4096 refresh cycles: 7.8 micros (4096 rows/32ms) and implement both auto refresh and self refresh. The packaging is standard 144-ball FBGA.

Mass production of GDDR2-M memory chips is slated to begin in the second quarter this year. The price of such DRAM products is unknown. The first application where GDDR2-M memory will be utiilised is the MOBILITY RADEON 9600 PRO announced yesterday and due to come later this year (see this news-story for more information).