QDR™ SRAM Frequently Asked Questions

What is QDR?
QDRT stands for Quad Data RateT and is a name that best describes the functionality of the new architecture. By allowing for two ports to run independently at Double Data Rate, the net result is four data items per clock cycle, or Quad Data Rate.

What is the target market and application for QDR SRAMs?
QDR SRAMs target the next generation of switches and routers that operates at data rates above 200MHz. The new SRAMs are ideally suited for high-bandwidth applications where they will serve as the main memory for look-up tables, linked lists and controller buffer memory.

What are the benefits of QDR SRAMs?
QDR SRAMs enable the system designer to maximize bandwidth by allowing operation at data rates above 200 MHz. The QDR architecture allows the designer to reach these speeds without the possibility of bus contention occurring.

What are the specific features that distinguish the QDR SRAM family from existing SRAM architectures?
QDR SRAMs do not require a common bus to be turned around because there are separate data buses for reads and writes. QDR SRAMs also differ from current architectures by utilizing a unique type of double data rate (DDR) architecture on two ports (hence "Quad Data Rate") to increase system bandwidth.

Who holds the patents for this technology?
All members of the co-development team have cross-licenses to any and all patents relating to QDR. In addition, each company has applied for all viable patents.

Why did Cypress, IDT, and NEC team up to develop QDR SRAMs?
Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: CY), Integrated Device Technology NASDAQ: IDTI), and NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) have formed a consortium to mutually define, develop and deliver the next-generation SRAM standard for the high-speed networking market. The companies are working to ensure that customers will have multiple high-quality sources for the new SRAMs by developing pin- and functionally compatible products.

How does this team benefit your customers?
The collective system expertise of the team members provide our customers with a wide range of experience in state of the art high-speed SRAM design. The mutual definition of products allows for complete interoperability and true second sourcing of products.

What benefit does Samsung bring to the QDR team?
Samsung is the largest SRAM vendor in the world. Samsung's addition to the team virtually guarantees system designers that QDR functionality will be broadly available.

Will any other vendors be added to the QDR team?
The initial limit to the number of team members was imposed to allow the best technology development without undue compromise or delay. Each additional team member since specification completion has been added based on technical and/or market considerations. Any vendor can apply for team membership on a similar basis.

How does the QDR team affect the competitive nature of Cypress, IDT, NEC and Samsung?
The consortium focuses on product definition and development. Each company is independently designing QDR devices and the competitive nature of the multiple companies in the business arena will remain. Our customers will benefit from having multiple competitors developing products to a common specification.

Will this relationship expand to other product lines?
At this time, there are no plans to expand this relationship to other product lines.

Are other companies developing products similar to QDR SRAMs?
To our knowledge no other companies are developing products similar to QDR SRAMs. As is the case with most standards, however, it is anticipated that others will attempt to produce similar devices at a later date.

Does the QDR team plan to open its specifications, possibly making them JEDEC or IEEE standards?
Package and pinout will be offered as a JEDEC standard.

What is the product introduction schedule for QDR SRAMs?
Each team member will design and manufacture the devices in its own technology and fabrication facilities and will deliver products according to its own internal development schedules.

What is the pricing as compared to existing products?
Every effort has been made to architect QDR in order to provide the best cost/performance ratio. Actual pricing will be a function of normal market dynamics.

Where can I get more information on QDR SRAMs?
www.QDRSRAM.com