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GDDR7 (Graphics Double Data Rate 7)

Definition of GDDR7

Graphics Double Data Rate 7 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (GDDR7 SDRAM) is the latest generation of synchronous graphics random-access memory (SGRAM) specified by the JEDEC Semiconductor Memory Standard. It is designed for use in graphics cards, game consoles, and high-performance computing, serving as the successor to GDDR6 SDRAM[1]. Key features include:


  1. High Bandwidth: GDDR7 can reach up to 32 Gbps per pin, which is 33% higher than the 24 Gbps per pin on GDDR6, leading to a 40% higher bandwidth (1.5 TB/s compared to GDDR6’s 1.1 TB/s)[1].
  2. Energy Efficiency: GDDR7 is 20% more energy-efficient than its predecessor, which is a significant improvement in power consumption[1].
  3. Thermal Management: The use of epoxy molding compound (EMC) alongside IC architecture optimization in GDDR7 reduces thermal resistance by 70%, addressing the heat dissipation challenges associated with high-speed memory operations[1].
  4. PAM-3 Signaling: GDDR7 introduces PAM-3 signaling (Pulse Amplitude Modulation-3 level) instead of the traditional Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) used in earlier generations. PAM-3 is more energy-efficient and provides higher bandwidth, using 1.5 bits per cycle compared to NRZ’s 1 bit per cycle[1].
  5. Manufacturing Process: GDDR7 will be manufactured using a 1ß node (equivalent to 12–10 nm process node), which is the last DRAM production process to rely on deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography tools[1].


Timelines and variations include:


  1. Production Timeline: Micron announced that GDDR7 memory chips are slated for release in the first half of 2024, with Samsung announcing the first generation of GDDR7 for the same timeframe[1][4].
  2. Voltage Variants: Samsung mentioned that GDDR7 will operate on 1.2V, with a future 1.1V version with reduced clock speeds to be made available after the initial release[1].
  3. Market Adoption: GDDR7 is expected to be adopted in next-generation graphics cards, with companies like Nvidia and AMD likely to incorporate this memory into their high-end cards. It is also anticipated to be used in AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and automotive applications[4][5].


Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDDR7_SDRAM

[2] https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/what-is-gddr7-vram/

[3] https://www.anandtech.com/show/18963/samsung-completes-initial-gddr7-development-first-parts-to-reach-up-to-32gbpspin

[4] https://www.pcgamer.com/nvidias-next-gen-flagship-graphics-card-to-feature-gddr7-memory-delivering-up-to-50-more-bandwidth/

[5] https://www.tomshardware.com/news/samsung-develops-worlds-first-gddr7-chip

[6] https://videocardz.com/press-release/samsung-introduces-worlds-first-gddr7-memory-up-to-32-gbps

[7] https://www.tweaktown.com/news/93929/samsung-provides-update-on-next-gen-gddr7-memory-50-less-stand-by-power-than-gddr6/index.html

[8] https://wccftech.com/samsung-first-develop-gddr7-memory-for-next-gen-gpus-32-gbps-speeds/

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