Low power memory designs expand to AI data centers as JEDEC revises LPDDR6 standard for enterprise server workloads
Low power memory designs will be appearing in data centers instead of just mobile consumer products. The JEDEC is working on revising the next generation LPDDR6 spec in response to the increased use of low power double data rate memory for AI data centers. Traditionally, mobile computing devices like smartphones, tablets, and thin ultrabooks relied on low power memory designs, but because artificial intelligence tasks are now using an enormous amount of power, data center operators are trying to find cheaper ways to power their facilities.
After the JESD209 6 standard became finalized, the JEDEC JC 42.6 Subcommittee for Low Power Memories shifted its main goal. The organization is working to provide the extended abilities that are expected for low power double data rate memory in accelerated computing and high capacity server workloads by upgrading LPDDR6 with the specific balance of throughput and power that hyperscalers need.
According to an industry briefing, the overall goal of the committee has become maximizing throughput improvements while also providing a reduction in thermal and electrical overhead, two priorities in data centers that will grow over time due to rising utility and cooling prices. The chairman of the JEDEC JC 42.6 Low Power Memories Subcommittee, Hung Vuong, confirmed that enterprise needs directly influence how the latest standard revisions are designed.
"The revision of LPDDR6 is taking a lot of its features based on their needs."
This next generation version will be given a variety of features for high capacity servers. By designing enterprise features into the LPDDR6 spec, the JEDEC hopes to give data center operators an alternative to the standard double data rate configuration so they can continue to scale their computing capacity while reducing overall power demands.
Source: eetimes
