Memory Solutions for Modem, EdgeAI, Smart IoT and Wearables Applications

Memories have always played a critical role, both in pushing the envelope on the semiconductor process development front and supporting the varied requirements of different applications and use-cases. The list of the various types of memories in use today runs long. At a gross level, we can classify memories into volatile or non-volatile, read-only or read-write, static or dynamic, etc. And when it comes to the cost, performance, power and area/form factor of an electronic system, a lot rides on the use of all the right memories for the application.  The lion’s share of the attention is paid to the effective use of Static Random Access Memories (SRAMs) and Dynamic Random Access Memories (DRAMs) as per the tradeoff benefits to be derived. While the need for higher density memories that consume very low power and perform like SRAMs has always been there, applications were able to manage with a judicious mix of DRAMs and SRAMs.

But over the recent years, fast growing markets such as modem, edge connectivity and EdgeAI have started demanding more from memories. Additionally, with the rise of the Smart Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable technology, there is an increasing demand for memory solutions that can provide high performance and low power consumption to extend battery life. These applications want memories that deliver the performance and power benefits of SRAMs (over DRAMs) and the density and cost benefits of DRAMs (over SRAMs) rolled into one. Fortunately, such a type of memory was invented quite a while ago and is called the Pseudo Static Random Access memory (PSRAM). PSRAM manufacturers were waiting in the wings for adoption drivers such as the above mentioned fast growing applications. The list of PSRAM memory suppliers includes AP Memory, Infineon, Micron Technology, Winbond Technology, and others.

What is PSRAM? [Source: JEDEC.org]

(1) A combinational form of a dynamic RAM that incorporates various refresh and control circuits on-chip (e.g., refresh address counter and multiplexer, interval timer, arbiter). These circuits allow the PSRAM operating characteristics to closely resemble those of a SRAM.

(2) A random-access memory whose internal structure is a dynamic memory with refresh control signals generated internally, in the standby mode, so that it can mimic the function of a static memory.

(3) PSRAMs have nonmultiplexed address lines and pinouts similar to SRAMs.

Mobiveil

Mobiveil is a fast-growing technology company that specializes in the development of Silicon Intellectual Properties, platforms and solutions for various fast growing markets. Its strategy is to grow with fast burgeoning markets by offering its customers valuable IPs that are easy to integrate into SoCs. One such IP is Mobiveil’s PSRAM Controller which has been in mass production for more than half-a-decade with customers across the US, Europe, Israel and China. The controller is available in different system bus flavors such as AXI and AHB and supports a variety of PSRAM and HyperRAM devices from many suppliers. The company recently expanded the list with the addition of support for AP Memory’s latest 250MHz PSRAM devices.

AP Memory

AP Memory is a world leader in PSRAM and has shipped more than six-billion PSRAM devices to date. The company has positioned itself as a market leader in PSRAM devices, providing a complete product line of high-quality memory solutions to support IoT and wearables market segments. The company continuously launches competitive products and provides customized memory solutions based on customer requirements.

Mobiveil-AP Memory Partnership

This partnership expects to bring significant benefits for SoCs, as PSRAM devices offer 10x higher density over eSRAM, 10x lower power compared to standard DRAM, and close to 3x fewer pin count. These advantages will result in lower power consumption, higher performance, and cost savings for the systems that leverage PSRAMs.

The result of the partnership is a controller IP that will provide cost-effective, ultra-low-power memory solutions for system designers. Mobiveil has adapted its PSRAM Controller to interface with AP Memory’s new PSRAM device that goes up to 250 MHz in speed and densities from 64Mb to 512Mb, supporting x8/x16 modes. This integration will allow SoC designers to take advantage of the high performance of the PSRAM controller at very low power, making it ideal for battery-operated applications, and extending the standby time of devices.

The PSRAM controller supports Octal Serial Peripheral Interface (Xccela standard), enabling speeds of up to 1,000 Mbytes/s for a 16-pin SPI option. Additionally, it provides support for a direct memory mapped system interface, automatic page boundary handling, linear/wrap/continuous/hybrid/burst support, and low power features like deep and half power down.

The PSRAM controller IP is system validated, process technology independent and highly configurable. To learn more about this IP, download a copy of the detailed product brief here.

Summary

Mobiveil’s flexible business models, strong industry presence through strategic alliances and key partnerships, dedicated integration support, and engineering development centers located in Milpitas, CA, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Rajkot, India, and sales offices and representatives located worldwide, have added tremendous value to customers in executing their product goals within budget and on time. To learn more, visit www.mobiveil.com.

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