IDT is Elpida's main AMB supplier

Integrated Device Technology Inc. (IDT) announced it is the main advanced memory buffer (AMB) supplier for Elpida Memory Inc.'s family of fully-buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) products.

Targeting next-generation server and workstation applications, the Elpida family of FB-DIMM devices (512Mbit, 1Gbit, 2Gbit and 4Gbit) is shipping with the IDT AMB device.

The IDT AMB (IDTAMB0480A5R) is responsible for collecting and distributing the data from or to the FB-DIMMs, buffering the data internally on the chip and receiving or forwarding it to the next FB-DIMM or memory controller within the system. According to IDT, this unique channel structure alleviates electrical loading issues, enabling designers to use a large number of DIMMs within a single system. To this point, Elpida has succeeded in developing a 4GB FB-DIMM, allowing for a 64GB (16 x 4GB FB-DIMM) server memory architecture, which the IDT AMB can support.

Both the Elpida FB-DIMMs and IDT AMB support the Intel Dual-Core Xeon Processor Series 5000 and 5100 (formerly codenamed Dempsey and Woodcrest), which are targeted at server and workstation applications.

"The IDT AMB device is a proven technology, as demonstrated through the Intel validation process," said Shigeru Koshimaru, executive officer, server and PC division, Elpida. "In addition, the product offers a variety of innovative functions, including a thermal sensor necessary for high-capacity FB-DIMMs."