Tutorial: Basics of DRAM Interfaces

Memories have evolved continuously since the simple days of SDRAM. Back then, one interface standard was dominating and could be adapted to the different system needs. Now, one size no longer fits all. The number of DRAM standards is proliferating since different system environments require different, tailored DRAM-solutions. Examples are DDRn, GDDR5, HBM, LPDDRn, and WIOn. In this tutorial, we give an overview of these interface standards highlighting important details of the specifications, and describe selected design aspects and their system level implications.