The FTC vs. Rambus trial log. Day Two

Along with his understanding of the disclosure rules at JEDEC, onlookers and the judge got his take on when specific technologies were first discussed among the group. In particular, Dual Edge Clocking, CAS Latency, and On-chip DLL/PLL were covered, as the Complaint Counsel needs to show that DDR technologies were on their way while Rambus was a member of JEDEC.

As Mr. Rhoden stated, the disclosure duty among members begins when any technology concept is discussed within the group. "The obligation of all participants is to disclose all things in the patent process," which means patent applications, according to Rhoden. "The rules always pertain to every participant - that is everyone who is in the room or has access to the information," he continued.

Hello Kingpin…
In addition to a snazzy animated tutorial on how DRAM works, Mr. Rhoden provided his insights into the process in which the JEDEC committee would consider, then standardize technologies.

Mr. Rhoden has been involved in JEDEC since well before Rambus was a member, and if there's anyone who has an interest in JEDEC's success in this case (for all that it means to AMI2, after-all), it might be Rhoden. But, beyond his interests with JEDEC, the facts don't lie, and CAS Latency, Burst length, or "wrap length" as it was called, dual-edge clocking, or IBM's "toggle" and PLLs/DLLs were discussed while Rambus was in the group. To what extent they were talked about, and what forms these technologies were in when discussed, is perhaps another story that we'll hear during cross-examination. IBM, according to Rhoden had systems already shipping with a dual-edge clocking scheme, which they called their "toggle mode."

There is a lot the judge probably learned about JEDEC through the words of its chairman today, although the testimony may merely wind up adding to the confusion of what the rules were. Mr. Rhoden's interpretation of JEDEC's policy seemed to contradict that of the EIA policy that he mentioned JEDEC was a subordinate of, at least until 1998, when JEDEC incorporated on its own. µ

Surely some sparks will fly today (Friday) when the cross examination begins.

Bill Teel is the Editor of Hedge Fund Confidential. He owns Rambus shares.

Picture of FTC building courtesy of DC Stock Photo

See Also

Is the FTC on its way to dismantling JEDEC?"