We still do not know when do memory manufacturers plan to start the mass production of DDR-II SDRAM chips, but today I learnt over here that JEDEC is already considering specifications of “extended DDR-II” memory with data-rates of up to 800Mb/s. In addition, the technology association works on different versions of DDR-II DIMMs for use in small form factor applications.

Currently various DRAM makers are sampling DDR-II memory devices at 400, 533 and 667MHz, however, the trend towards considerably higher bandwidth leads memory manufacturers to produce even faster devices.

The JEDEC Solid State Technology Association has approved a preliminary standard for a mini-DIMM that would replace the SO-DIMM module for notebooks in January 2003 and plans to set up the final standard in April this year. Such mini-DIMMs may eventually be used in other appliances, such as printers, blade servers and other kinds of equipment, lowering the prices of such devices. 

Since DDR-II SDRAM memory needs only 1.8V for operation, it is extremely interesting to employ it in devices with low power consumption, such as sub-notebooks, advanced PDAs and other handhelds that develop really rapidly these days. Samsung hopes that the final standards will be tailored by June.

DDR-II memory chips are most likely to utilise BGA packaging, as we already informed you.

Elpida Memory will start the mass production of DDR-II chips in the second quarter next year, while Infineon will ramp up DDR-II in the second half of 2004.