NEC Electronics Inc says that it is now sampling the world’s first 16M-bit Rambus dynamic random-access memory devices that can transfer data at 500Mbps. The company has also launched a Rambus ASIC cell for use in designs using the Rambus memory architecture. The micron PD488130 (16M-bit RDRAM) and micron PD488170 (18M-bit RDRAM) represent the first fruits of a 1992 licensing agreement with Rambus Inc, Mountain View, California (CI No 1,878). The Rambus high-bandwidth dynamics are designed for graphics applications for high-end desktops and workstations, and main memory for computers, as well as high-end multimedia systems and Asynchronous Transfer switching systems. The firm suggests future applications could include consumer products such as Personal Digital Assistants. The devices are manufactured using a 0.5-micron CMOS process and organised as 2M by 8 and 2M by 9. The 16M-bit uPD488130) and 18M-bit uPD488170 RDRAMs are sampling soon, with limited production scheduled to begin in the third quarter. The 16M-bit device will cost $150, and the 18M-bit device $170 in sample quantities. Pricing for RDRAMs is expected to be 20% over standard DRAMs in volume production. The company plans to accept designs with the ASIC by the summer. Incorporating it into a CB-C8 design is expected to add 15% to the standard price.
