Advanced Memory Buffer Overview

The Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB) reference design complies with the FB-DIMM Architecture and Protocol Specification. It supports DDR2 SDRAM main memory. The AMB allows buffering of memory traffic to support large memory capacities. All memory control for the DRAM resides in the host, including memory request initiation, timing, refresh, scrubbing, sparing, configuration access, and power management. The AMB interface is responsible for handling FB-DIMM channel and memory requests to and from the local DIMM and for forwarding requests to other DIMMs on the FB-DIMM channel.

Features

• JEDEC standard Raw Card E Design

• Industry Standard Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB)

• High-speed differential point-to-point link interface at 1.5V (JEDEC draft spec)

- 14 north-bound (NB) high speed serial lanes

- 10 south-bound (SB) high speed serial lanes

• Various features/modes:

- MemBIST and IBIST test functions

- Transparent mode and direct access mode for DRAM testing

- Interface for a thermal sensor and status indicator

• Channel error detection and reporting

• Automatic DDR2 SDRAM bus and channel calibration

• SPD (serial presence detect) with 1piece of 256 byte serial EEPROM