Elpida launches 4Gb DDR2 for smartphones and tablets

MEMORY MAKER Elpida has announced it has developed a 4Gb low voltage DDR2 mobile RAM module.

Elpida revealed that it has developed a 4Gb DDR2 module that runs at just 1.2V and provides a peak transfer rate of 1066Mbps. With this announcement Elpida becomes only the second company, after Samsung, to produce 4Gb DDR2 modules.

Built on a 30nm process, the modules use 30 per cent less operating current than Elpida's 40nm 2Gb modules, according to the company. Not surprisingly it is promoting the memory as a way for device manufacturers to increase battery life without having to increase battery size.

Elpida said that smartphone and tablet device manufacturers are also demanding 8Gb and 16Gb modules. However the firm said there is still significant demand for 4Gb memory modules that come in smaller packages.

Sample shipments of Elpida's 4Gb DDR2 will begin later this month and mass production will get under way at Elpida's Hiroshima plant in June. Clearly Elpida sees significant demand for its 4Gb modules as it has roped in Rexchip Electronics to fabricate the chips as well, saying this will guarantee a stable product supply.

Having more than one supplier of 4GB DRAM of mobile devices should help device makers get the quantities they want and keep prices a little lower. It should also insulate them from shortages, should one large company decide to buy a huge chunk of production. µ