Release of CMOS-based World-Fastest 1M-bit Synchronous SRAM

167MHz CMOS 1Mbit Synchronous SRAM [µPD431632L]

NEC has developed 1M-bit CMOS synchronous (clock synchronous system) SRAM which realized the world-fastest speed with the CMOS process for computer cache memory and communications equipment buffer memory. Titled "µPD431632L," the new product will be put to sale from October this year.

Major features of the new product, which is a 32K-word x 32-bit configured clock synchronous SRAM, include:

world-fastest speeds - highest operating frequency of 167MHz and clock access time of 4.5 nanoseconds - achieved in the CMOS product through adoption of the 0.35 micron CMOS micro fabrication technology;
built-in control circuits in harmony with the Pentium(TM) processor and the PowerPC(TM) data transfer system; and
higher speed and lower power consumption being continuously realized through adoption of NEC's own new-model dynamic sense amplifier.

The sample price of the new product is expected to be ¥2,000. The production scale is expected to be 100,000 units per month from January, 1997.

In recent years, use of the high-speed SRAM has expanded as cache memory for super-computers, workstations and personal computers and as buffer memory for communications equipment. Especially following the high speed recently achieved in microprocessors, there has been a rising desire for high-speed cache memory to demonstrate their performance to the maximum. We came to manufacture the new product to respond to such a need.

Major features of the new product are as follows:

(1) World-fastest realized by CMOS SRAM: Through adoption of the 0.35 micron CMOS micro fabrication technology, the operating frequency is compatible with 167/133/117/100 MHz (clock access time being 4.5/5/5/5.5 nanoseconds respectively). The operating frequency of 167 MHz and the clock access time of 4.5 nanoseconds are the world-fastest speed that a CMOS SRAM can have so far.
(2) Compatible with two data transfer systems: Containing two types of circuits corresponding to the respective data transfer systems of Pentium(TM) processor and PowerPC(TM), the new product can be used for either system. The data transfer system can be selected with an external terminal.
(3) Low power consumption: While realizing an operating speed of 167MHz, which is double the speed of a conventional product, by means of NEC's own new-model dynamic sense amplifier, the new product is controlling its current consumption to 200mA, which is well below that (250mA) of a conventional product.
(4) Switchable between 2.5 V and 3.3 V interfaces: The I/O buffer power can be switched between 2.5 V and 3.3 V, depending on the supply voltage of the microprocessor.

Please refer to the attachment for the major specifications of the new product.

Note:PentiumTM is a trademark of U.S. INTEL Corp.
PowerPCTM is a trademark of U.S. IBM Corp.