SMART's DDR DIMM Validation Program Demonstrates Robust System Operation With AMD's Reference Platform

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned company of Solectron Corporation's Technology Solutions Business Unit (NYSE: SLR), announced today that the initial results of its DDR validation program have been posted on AMD's Web site. This validation program, which is optional for DRAM suppliers, was established to verify that new DDR devices are compliant with JEDEC standards and to ensure the compatibility of DDR SDRAMs with AMD's reference platform. As an independent third-party validation test facility, SMART lends confidence to OEMs that modules passing certain tests comply with critical DDR specifications. Initial results of validation testing can be found at www.amd.com/devconn/ddrvalid.html.>Validation testing covers three comprehensive areas: device-level testing, module-level testing and system-level testing. SMART's test procedures can be downloaded from www.smartmodulartech.com/teamDDR.html. The first phase of the program tests device-level characterization and also identifies and isolates potential non-conformance characteristics. The second phase includes functional and parametric module-level testing. The final phase involves comprehensive system-level testing under various temperatures and voltages. Testing should continue for several months so all DDR device manufacturers may undergo the testing procedures and upon validation receive listing on AMD's Web site.

Related Results

"Independent validation is a crucial step in developing common DDR standards," stated Ned Finkle, director of AMD's Infrastructure Enablement Group. "SMART's DDR validation program checks DRAM-to-chipset compatibility and helps confirm compatibility with validated DDR modules. Testing and validation facilitates a smooth transition to DDR-equipped servers, networking appliances and workstations."

"As a member of JEDEC and AMI2, SMART is committed to advancing new memory technologies," added Mike Rubino, SMART's vice president of engineering. "SMART's high-level, enabling test services have included validation support for PC100, PC133 and Rambus technologies. Our DDR validation program offers leading-edge engineering and test support and enhances the time-to-market for Double Data Rate technology."

AMD's DDR reference platform includes the 760 chipset and Athlon(TM) processor, which is available at 1.2, 1.13 and 1 GHz. SMART's DDR DIMMs and AMD's Athlon processor with the 760 chipset provide OEMs with a reliable, high performance and cost-effective solution. SMART's 184-pin DDR DIMMs are qualified for use on AMD's DDR reference platform and are offered in unbuffered configurations from 64 to 512 MB and registered configurations from 64 MB to 1 GB. SMART's online ordering system makes it easy to log on and order DDR DIMM's, and its Irvine, Calif., sales office is ready to provide full sales support.

About SMART

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. is a wholly owned operating company within the Technology Solutions Business Unit of Solectron Corporation (NYSE: SLR). SMART, a leading independent manufacturer of memory and I/O products, offers more than 500 products to leading OEMs in the computer, networking and telecommunications industries. The memory product line includes specialty and standard DRAM, Flash memory and SRAM modules and Flash memory cards. The I/O product line includes standard and custom wireless and wireline communications devices and modular I/O sub-systems for client-side and central office applications. SMART operates several specialized manufacturing and design facilities and has access to the worldwide manufacturing operations of Solectron Corporation. More information on SMART can be obtained on the Internet at www.smartmodulartech.com.

About AMD

AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $2.9 billion in 1999. (NYSE: AMD).