AMD’s latest patent introduces a groundbreaking technology that doubles DDR5 memory bandwidth without relying on advancements in DRAM silicon. The High-Bandwidth DIMM (HB-DIMM) architecture achieves this feat by leveraging onboard data buffers and re-timing and multiplexing techniques to combine two normal-speed DRAM streams into one faster stream.
How HB-DIMM Works
The HB-DIMM technique focuses on module-level innovations rather than DRAM process upgrades. By integrating a register/clock driver (RCD) and data-buffer chips, AMD’s solution can increase memory bandwidth from 6.4 Gb/s per pin to 12.8 Gb/s per pin. This is achieved through:
- Parallel Activation: Pairs of DRAM ranks are activated and accessed in parallel, increasing data throughput.
- Multiplexed Data Streams: Data streams are multiplexed to double the data rate per signal pin, resulting in a substantial improvement in memory bandwidth.
Benefits for AI and APUs
The HB-DIMM technology has significant implications for:
- Artificial Intelligence: By providing the necessary bandwidth for AI applications, HB-DIMM enables faster processing of complex AI tasks.
- APUs (Accelerated Processing Units): HB-DIMM can be used in conjunction with standard DDR5 memory to create a tiered memory architecture, where a smaller, faster memory pool is dedicated to high-bandwidth applications.
Advantages and Challenges
The HB-DIMM approach offers several advantages, including:
- Increased Bandwidth: Doubles memory bandwidth without requiring DRAM process upgrades.
- Improved Performance: Enables faster processing of bandwidth-intensive applications.
However, there are also potential challenges to consider:
- Increased Power Requirements: HB-DIMM may require more power to facilitate high memory bandwidth, necessitating effective cooling mechanisms.
AMD’s Expertise in Memory Technology
AMD’s development of HB-DIMM is a testament to the company’s expertise in memory technology. Having collaborated with SK Hynix to design High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), AMD is well-positioned to innovate in the memory space. The HB-DIMM approach demonstrates AMD’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of memory performance without relying solely on process node advancements
