Can you feel it yet? The next-generation 5G mobile network promises throughput up to 50 times faster than existing 4G networks. 5G latency will drop to a fifth that of 4G. 5G will unlock incredible possibilities for multimedia and virtual and augmented (VR/AR) experiences. It’s a future of always-on, ultra-high-speed wireless connectivity.
But to achieve these dramatic changes, mobile devices demand a sophisticated memory subsystem to keep up with the speed and storage requirements. Even tougher: They require memory that operates with high performance without increasing power or footprint.
Manufacturers and operators today are laying the foundation for 5G innovation. At Micron, we are staying ahead of the curve to provide the memory and storage foundation that allows the mobile customer to take advantage of the high-speed, low-latency, multiple-device connectivity in the 5G infrastructure. How exactly this is going to help enrich the world? The Micron low-power DDR5 DRAM, launched in February, is already being embedded in widely distributed, mass-produced, high-performance smartphones.
Micron’s low-power DDR5 DRAM for mobile apps
Micron Low-Power DDR5 DRAM, Built for 5G and AI
Our low-power DRAM (LPDRAM) product suite delivers the low power consumption, high performance, choice of densities and wide temperature ranges to help you get the most out of high-performance smartphones and other smart devices. The new Micron LPDDR5 DRAM enables the superior power efficiency and faster data access speeds that are so critical for artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G functionality in smartphones. Compliant with the latest JEDEC standards, Micron’s LPDDR5 delivers a 50% increase in data access speeds and more than 20% power efficiency compared to previous generations.
This next-generation memory solution accelerates connecting to 5G networks and processing the large quantities of data required to support advanced AI features. Micron LPDDR5 also provides higher bandwidth to enable the high-performance image processing that was previously reserved for flagship smartphones, while still maintaining long battery life!
“We believe LPDDR5 will be the standard configuration for most flagship devices in 2020,” said Chang Cheng, vice president at Xiaomi Group, which is embedding the Micron LPDDR5 in its Mi 10 smartphone. Micron is providing 6GB, 8GB and 12GB capacities of the new DDR5, enabling smartphones to process data at 5.5Gbps or 6.4Gbps. LPDDR5 will also be available in a UFS-based multichip package (uMCP5) for use in mid- and high-tier smartphones, enabling high-performance capabilities that were previously reserved for flagship smartphones.
Accelerating a Broad Range of Applications
Micron’s memory innovation is paving the way for AI-powered mobile technology. And the potential doesn’t stop there. Similar to the rest of Micron’s product portfolio, our LPDDR5 solution will also be available for several different market applications such as PCs, IoT, automotive and networking across different Micron business segments (Mobile, Client/Consumer and Embedded).
Automotive Telematics
The new LPDDR5 DRAM will play a key role in Micron automotive memory to address today’s and tomorrow’s extreme memory requirements. Built to consume less power without sacrificing performance, low-power DDR5 memory solutions are perfect for instrument cluster, infotainment and ADAS (advanced driver-assistance system) solutions for next-generation self-driving cars.
Where LPDDR4x is reaching maximum bandwidth, LPDDR5 brings new use cases
High-Performance, Responsive Gaming
With gaming applications, latency takes utmost precedence because that decides how fast the data can be uploaded or downloaded to deliver a seamless, immersive experience for the gamer. No players like their games being affected by a delay between issuing a command and seeing its results on screen. With Micron LPDDR5 technology, bandwidths are significantly improved to incorporate the power of 5G for consumer and client workloads like gaming. This capability improves connectivity and provides high-quality graphics on screen for the users.
Artificial Intelligence
The LPDDR5's high speed and low power will enable mobile and automotive devices to keep up with AI technology and autonomous driving, the 5G network, advanced display options and next-generation camera innovations. Expect a tide of innovation as organizations bring new solutions that depend on next-generation memory to market.