JEDEC introduces the LPDDR5X standard with speeds up to 8533 MT/s

The LPDDR standard for mobile devices was not too long ago lagging behind its DDR counterpart, but recently, due to considerable advancements in the smartphone sector, LP memory seems to have taken the lead, especially considering that DDR5 is only getting consumer PC support this year, while LPDDR5 has already been in use for a year on high-end handheld devices. To prepare for improved speeds, JEDEC and the JC-42.6 Subcommittee for Low Power Memories are now introducing an LPDDR5X extension. Back in 2020, LPDDR5 was launched with 5500 MT/s speeds, and, earlier this year, the standard was upgraded to 6400 MT/s. LPDDR5X further increases the data rates by 33% to 8533 MT/s.

With a sizable bandwidth upgrade from 51.2 GB/s to 68.26 GB/s, the LPDDR5X standard is expected to also be featured on upcoming thin and light laptops and tablets, providing significant performance boosts for integrated GPUs. Additionally, the higher bandwidth and simplified architecture should allow for enhanced 5G speeds, as well as boost performance for a wide array of applications, including automotive, high resolution augmented reality / virtual reality and AI-powered edge computing.

To compensate for the increased latencies, LPDDR5X memories include new signal integrity improvements with TX/RX equalization, reliability improvements through a new Adaptive Refresh Management feature, plus a per-pin decision feedback equalizer that is also integral to the DDR5 standard.

Micron and Samsung already expressed interest in producing LPDDR5X modules, but the first consumer devices integrating this type of RAM might not arrive sooner than 2H 2022. Memory controllers and PHYs will be provided by Synopsys.

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