External Memory Interface Handbook Volume 2: Design Guidelines: For UniPHY-based Device Families

ID 683385
Date 3/06/2023
Public
Document Table of Contents

2.3.5.1. DDR3 SDRAM Components With or Without Leveling

The DDR3 SDRAM UDIMM is laid out to the JEDEC specification. The JEDEC specification is available from either the JEDEC Organization website (www.JEDEC.org) or from the memory vendors. However, when you are designing the DDR3 SDRAM interface using discrete SDRAM components, you may desire a layout scheme that is different than the DIMM specification.

You have the following options:

  • Mimic the standard DDR3 SDRAM DIMM, using a fly-by topology for the memory clocks, address, and command signals. This option needs read and write leveling, so you must use the UniPHY IP with leveling.
  • Mimic a standard DDR2 SDRAM DIMM, using a balanced (symmetrical) tree-type topology for the memory clocks, address, and command signals. Using this topology results in unwanted stubs on the command, address, and clock, which degrades signal integrity and limits the performance of the DDR3 SDRAM interface.