Beyond DDR2 400: Physical Implementation Challenges in Your SoC Design

DDR2 SDRAM is an increasingly common memory solution for designs requiring improved data bandwidth capabilities and enhanced signaling features. However, the benefits of DDR2 SDRAM are coupled with significant physical implementation challenges at data rates above 400 Mbps. This paper discusses how using complete, integrated DDR2 SDRAM memory physical interface IP solutions can significantly reduce the risks, such as interoperability, associated with combining discrete memory subsystem blocks. Packaged as a complete, integrated place-and-route hard macro, or as scalable sub-macros, third-party DDR2 SDRAM PHY IP can deliver predictable 800 Mbps system performance and significantly reduce development time.