1. What is QDR?
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QDR stands for Quad Data Rate and is a name that best describes the functionality of the new architecture. By allowing for two ports to independently run at Double Data Rate, the net result is four data items per clock cycle, or Quad Data Rate.
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2. What is the target market and application for QDR SRAMs?
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QDR SRAMs target the next generation of switches and routers that operate 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.
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3. What distinguishes the QDR SRAM from existing SRAM architectures?
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QDR SRAMs do not require a common bus to be turned around because there is a separate data bus 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.
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4. Who holds the patents for this technology?
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The QDR patents are held by the QDR Consortium.
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5. Why did Cypress, IDT and Micron team up to develop QDR SRAMs?
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Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, Integrated Device Technology, and Micron Technology, Inc. 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.
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6. How does this partnership benefit customers?
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The collective system expertise of the QDR Consortium provides the customer with a wide range of market experience in state of the art high-speed SRAM design. The mutual definition of products allows for complete interoperability and true second sources of products.
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7. Is QDR a drop-in replacement for the ZBT architecture or NoBL architecture?
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No. In order to meet the system requirements that QDR addresses, the QDR device requires a different architecture and a different interface than either ZBT or NoBL.
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8. How does QDR affect the ZBT alliance?
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The QDR SRAM consortium is completely separate from the ZBT consortium and has no effect on existing partnerships. ZBT development is ongoing and the ZBT roadmap will continue to evolve.
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9. How does QDR affect the competitive nature of Cypress, IDT and Micron?
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The consortium focuses on product definition and development. Each company is independently designing QDR devices and the competitive nature of the three companies in the business arena will remain. Customers will benefit from having three competitors developing a common platform.
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10. Will the QDR relationship expand to other product lines?
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There are no plans to expand this relationship to other product lines.
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11. Are other companies developing products similar to QDR SRAMs?
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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.
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12. What is the product introduction schedule for QDR SRAMs?
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Each vendor will design and manufacture the devices in its own technology and fabrication facilities, and will deliver products according to its own internal development schedules.
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13. What is the pricing as compared to existing products?
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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.
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14. Where can I get more information on QDR SRAM?
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Visit the QDR Consortium web site at www.QDRSRAM.com
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