Market factors spur SGRAM interest

Electronic News, July 8, 1996 by Andrew MacLellan

San Jose, Calif.--Lower DRAM prices and excess fab capacity are forcing companies to respond creatively to expanding markets, a phenomenon which could be a boon for the proliferation of synchronous graphics RAM (SGRAM) in mid- to high-end PCs and workstations. Fujitsu Microelectronics is the latest company to enter the market, rolling out three ICs last week to join memory vendors NEC, Hitachi, Samsung and Texas Instruments in the SGRAM arena.

A cousin to synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), SGRAM requires only two additional steps to convert it into a graphics frame buffer: a write-per-bit function; and a block write feature which enables the device to interpret the larger data packets of the graphics algorithm.

In fact, this relative ease of conversion is making the technology a favorite among those companies replacing older product lines, giving them a supplemental technology which can be differentiated from traditional synchronous memory for a nominal premium. According to Fujitsu memory products marketing manager Ray Creech, more than 40 percent of desktop PCs sold in 1997 are expected to contain SGRAM, firmly establishing the technology as a volume player.

"This represents a new effort for the synchronous family we're pursuing," said Mr. Creech. "We spent quite some time looking at the market and trying to determine what types of products lent themselves to our emerging synch DRAM technology."

Fujitsu has introduced three versions of the MB81G83222 IC, which is an 8M chip with a 32-bit interface organized 2Mx128-kilobits. The devices, which are shipping now for $25 in sample quantities, feature dual bank and burst read/write operation using auto- and self-refresh with 1,024 cycles every 16.4 microseconds, according to Fujitsu. A synchronous device, SGRAM uses both edges of the clock cycle for a claimed better performance in high bandwidth designs.

The new SGRAM family includes the 100MHz MB81G83222-010 with a 9-nanosecond burst mode access time; the 84MHz MB81G83222-020, which has a maximum access time of 11ns; and the 67MHz MB81G83222-015, boasting 12ns speed. The parts are packaged in a 100-pin PQFP and should be priced under $20 in OEM quantities by year's end, the company said.

Next-generation SGRAM due out later this year will include faster 8M ICs, and a 16M chip with a 64-bit interface is said to be under consideration.

When asked if SGRAM is merely a by-product of the current DRAM pricing environment, Mr. Creech said he expects the technology to surpass the 16M SDRAM chips commonly found in existing frame buffers, at least in mid-and high-end graphics applications. In fact, Fujitsu is so confident in the future of SGRAM the company said it will double production in 4Q96 to 1.5 million units worldwide.

"We really think that the market is going to develop its own need for the device," Mr. Creech said. "The interface capability and feature set allow synch GRAM to distinguish itself from synch DRAM. The question is, will the prices filter through the market?"