Generate DDR5 AMI models with Sigrity SystemSI

Over the past few years, many system designers have been incorporating DDR4 RAM components into their designs. As product performance continues to rise and power budgets shrink, the demand for faster memory solutions has never waned. In 2013, even though DDR4 was already widely adopted in mainstream systems, DDR5 was still in the specification phase. Although the official DDR5 standard had not yet been released, its key features were well understood: DDR5 would deliver double the bandwidth of DDR4 and introduce more efficient power management. As the market eagerly awaited the official release of DDR5 devices, by late 2018, system designers began to feel increasing pressure. They wanted to understand the costs associated with upgrading their systems to support the new performance levels, leverage higher data rates, and manage power consumption effectively. This led to a growing desire to start prototype designs based on the known characteristics of DDR5 as early as possible, in order to explore how the DDR5 bus could be integrated into future products. For experienced engineers, building a prototype using a new memory interface requires first obtaining a device model that accurately represents the interface's behavior. Then, they use simulation tools to validate and test these features against the DDR5 specification. Unfortunately, this process often stalls because no DDR5 RAM models are available at the time. Some might argue that a memory device is just a simple receiver during write cycles and can be modeled using existing IBIS receiver models. This was feasible 15 years ago, but today’s high-speed DDR4 memories, such as those operating at 3200 Mbps, make things more complex. These devices use advanced techniques like equalization and serial link filtering to maintain signal integrity. Such features are only accurately modeled through the IBIS-AMI model, which is provided by manufacturers. With DDR5 expected to operate at even higher speeds and lower voltage swings, equalization becomes even more critical. Therefore, system designers need advanced controller and memory models to simulate the new DDR5 interface—yet these models are not readily available. Designers face a tough situation: they want to build systems that take advantage of DDR5’s capabilities, but lack suitable models for testing. What adds to their frustration is that these models may not be available anytime soon. The biggest concern is that if competitors get access to the models first, they could launch products earlier, gaining a significant market advantage. And even if models become available, designers are unsure whether their current simulation tools can handle the new data transfer features required for DDR5. As a tool provider, one of our main goals is to help design engineers overcome these challenges by offering flexibility and empowering them to create their own models for emerging technologies. Is this possible? For Sigrity users, the answer is a clear “YES.” In fact, engineers using Sigrity SystemSI 2017 already have the solution in hand! Sigrity SystemSI includes an embedded IBIS-AMI model generator called AMIBuilder. This tool uses the SystemSI GUI to accept user-defined AMI model parameters and generate AMI models using either user-specified or default IBIS/O buffer models. Our users, including the Cadence IP team, have successfully used this tool to create DDR4 models. Recently, some of them have even used FFE/DFE technology to generate DDR5 AMI models and completed successful test system designs, accurately predicting DDR5 behavior. Of course, this also raises another concern among designers: Even with a DDR5 AMI model, will my simulation tools support the necessary DDR5 bus functions? Fortunately, Sigrity SystemSI is equipped with a power-saving solution that uses Cadence’s patented channel emulation technology for bus characterization and simulation. So, for anxious design and SI engineers, there is no need to wait for the final DDR5 specification or for manufacturers to provide models. Sigrity SystemSI can help you create prototypes and understand how DDR5 will perform in your application. Don’t worry—your path forward is clear.

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