Glossary

The world of memory is full of technical terms and abbreviations. In our glossary you will find many technical terms and abbreviations explained in an understandable way and sorted alphabetically.

The AEC-Q100 Component Technical Committee to define common electrical component qualification requirements. These documents contain detailed qualification and requalification requirements and include unique test methods and guidelines for the use of generic data. Components meeting these specifications are suitable for use in harsh automotive environments without additional component level qualification testing.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_Electronics_Council

The memory works independently from the system’s CPU cycle.  The responses from the memory related to read and write requests do not directly corelate to system cycles instead occurring asynchronously.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_random-access_memory#Asynchronous_DRAM

According to AEC-Q100 the following are automotive temperature ratings: Grade 4 (0°C ~70°C); Grade 3 (-40°C~+85°C); Grade 2 (-40°C~+105°C); Grade 1 (-40°C~+125°C) und Grade 0 (-40°C~+150°C) environmental temperature.  There are also components that do not have AEC-Q ratings but support specific temperature ranges. (e.g. grade 2).

Air Way Bill, Tracking number, shipping documents

Ball Grid Array (BGA) is a form of housing in which the connections are arranged in a matrix on the underside of the memory IC. The connections are solder pearls, which are arranged in a grid meaning many connections can be placed in a small area.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_grid_array

Bit is an abbreviation for "binary digit". Binary numbers (0 or 1), represent the basic building blocks of data storage.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bit

Merchant who purchases goods from any source. Contrary to the franchised distributor who purchases the goods directly from the manufacturer.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broker

Means buffered / decoupled i.e. A circuit decouples the input and output signals, which relieves the load on the input side of the processor or its memory controller.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_buffer_register

8 bits, standard unit of measurement for data sizes in computers. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byte

Compact Flash Card, formerly used frequently as memory expansion for cameras; PATA interface.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CompactFlash

Fast compact flash card, often used as a memory expansion for cameras; SATA interface.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CompactFlash#CFast

CFexpress very fast CF card type with PCIe bus interface and NVMe protocol.

Contract Manufacturing Services

Certificate of Conformity, Confirmation of an original delivery from the manufacturer. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_approval

For DRAM typically from 0 ° C to 70 ° C Ta (ambient / environment, DDR1 and smaller) or 0 ° to 95 ° C Tc (case / housing; with DDR2 and higher), for other products, the commercial temperature range can also be -25 ° to + 85 °

Certificate of Origin, Country of manufacture.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate_of_origin

CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit – a system’s main processing unit.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit

Customer Requested Date, Time at which the customer requires the goods.

Customer Sample - Customer samples that are suitable for qualification and correspond to the finished product. In contrast to the engineering sample, which usually works, but does not have all the properties of the finalized product.

Datasheet

Datecode, Date of manufacture formatted as YYWW; for example, 1006, Year 2010, Week 6 or DC09+ : 2009 and newer.

Double Data Rate: The data is read on both sides of the clock signal and therefore double the throughput compared to the single data rate.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_data_rate

The Dual Inline Package describes a housing for components. In this design, the pins are arranged in two rows on both sides of the component housing. The DIP design is used for memory modules and other active and passive components, and for central processing units (CPU), amplifiers, DIP switches, comparators, resistance networks, LAN controllers, LED units, etc.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_in-line_package

Disk on Module (DOM) is a module form of flash memory, which is intended for industrial PCs and for end users. Since the introduction of SSDs (approx. 2009), these devices have only played a role for older devices with an IDE connection. With the help of a DOM as a replacement for commercially available hard disks, a PC can be assembled without moving or noisy parts, if the CPU and power supply are passively cooled and an optical drive is not used.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive#DOM

Dynamic Random Access Memory describes a technology for an electronic random access memory (RAM), which is mainly used in computers, but is also used in other electronic devices such as printers. The storage element is a capacitor that is either charged or discharged. It is accessible via a switching transistor and either read out or written with new content.

The memory content is volatile, which means that the stored information is lost if there is no operating voltage or if it is subsequently refreshed.  

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_random-access_memory

Two independently addressable DRAM memory areas with 64-bit data bus width e.g. on a memory module

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_rank

Estimated Annual Usage, forecasted annual need for a given product.

Error Correction Code: A type of checksum. Additional data is generated and stored when the user data is stored for the purposes of verifying and possibly correcting the user data during the readout process.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Error_correction_code

Flash memory on the chip itself e.g. in a microcontroller or in a system such as. a CF card.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memory

eMMC = embedded Multimedia Card: A “managed flash” storage medium i.e. Flash controller and flash memory combined in a common BGA housing. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MultiMediaCard

Electronics Manufacturing Services are manufacturing service providers also referred to as Contract Manufacturers in some regions.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics_manufacturing_services

End of life: The cessation of manufacturing a product.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of-life_(product)

Engineering Sample, an early stage in a product’s lifecycle suitable for initial testing, but potentially not truly representative of the finished product’s complete capabilities.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering_sample

Fully Buffered DIMM memory module with buffered address and data lines.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fully_Buffered_DIMM

 

A hard disk drive (or HDD) is a magnetic storage medium with comparatively high capacities and quite slow read / write speeds.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk_drive

Non-volatile, electrically erasable and rewritable semiconductor memory. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memory

Abbreviation for Gigahertz, i.e. one billion hertz. Unit for the frequency of repetitive events per second. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hertz

Abbreviation for one Hertz, unit for the frequency of repetitive events per second. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hertz

Integrated Circuit: Many electrical components are implemented and connected in a semiconductor crystal.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_circuit

Extended temperature range e.g. DDR2 / 3/ 4 from -40 ° C to + 95 ° C case temperature.

Mechanically and electrically defined connection between devices and systems. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface

 

Joint Electron Device Engineering Council: A large number of companies in the field of semiconductor technology and application have organized themselves under  organization in order to define generally applicable standards for electronic semiconductor components.

https://www.jedec.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JEDEC

Abbreviation of Kilohertz, one thousand Hertz – the unit for the frequency of repetitive events per second.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hertz

Mature memory technologies, which are still widely used, but have been replaced by further developments in more modern systems.

Low-Power SDRAM; SDRAM with reduced power requirements.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

The original low-power DDR (sometimes retroactively called LPDDR1) is a slightly modified form of DDR SDRAM, with several changes to reduce overall power consumption.

Most significant, the supply voltage is reduced from 2.5 to 1.8 V. Additional savings come from temperature-compensated refresh (DRAM requires refresh less often at low temperatures), partial array self refresh, and a "deep power down" mode which sacrifices all memory contents. Additionally, chips are smaller, using less board space than their non-mobile equivalents.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

The next iteration of LPDDR. In addition to higher clock and transfer rates with shorter access times, development also led to further reductions in the supply voltage, from 1.8 to 1.5 volts.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

The next iteration of LPDDR2. In addition to higher clock and transfer rates with shorter access times, development also led to further reductions in the supply voltage, from 1.5 to 1.2 volts.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

The next iteration of LPDDR3. In addition to higher clock and transfer rates with shorter access times, development also led to further reductions in the supply voltage, from 1.5 to 1.1 volts.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

The next iteration of LPDDR4. In addition to higher clock and transfer rates with shorter access times, development also led to further reductions in the supply voltage.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

Low Power SDRAM, also known as Mobile RAM, is an SDRAM developed for use in mobile systems, smartphones, notebooks and PDAs.  Retaining the same specifications as standard SDRAM related to memory clock and data transfer rates, it reduces the required voltage supply from 3.3V to 1.8V and has a special power down mode which enables a self-refresh when necessary – this allows it to function for extended periods (days or even weeks) with low power supply.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPDDR

Load reduced DIMM, address, data and control signal lines are buffered.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_memory#LRDIMM

 

Last Time Buy

Standard for describing the dimensions (form factor) of flash memory expansion cards (formerly known as NGFF New Generation Form Factor).

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.2

Central board on which the components of a PC are connected to each other. This usually includes processor and memory among other components.  

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherboard

A classic Multi Chip Package consists of several individual microchips (or dies), which are planar (side by side) or more often stacked inside a common housing.  These MCP packages look and function like a single component. These components are not generally recognizable as MCPs without close examination.  Today, the term MCM is also applied to modules which in addition to semiconductor dies contain micromechanical elements or discrete passive components such as capacitors or resistors.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-chip_module

Memory modules, individual DRAM components combined on a standardized (JEDEC) board to form a memory block.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_module

Abbreviation for Megahertz, i.e. one million hertz – the unit for the frequency of repetitive events per second.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hertz

MiniRegistered DIMM is a compact design of an RDIMM (DRAM module).

Very low profile - RDIMM in a compact design with a reduced overall height.

Mini Very Low profile unbuffered DIMM is a compact design of a UDIMM (DRAM module).

Multi-Layer (Flash) Cell is a memory cell/element capable of storing more than a single bit of information, compared to a single-level cell (SLC) which can store only one bit per memory cell/element. A memory cell typically consists of a single MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), thus multi-level cells reduce the number of MOSFETs required to store the same amount of data as single-level cells.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_cell

Minimum Order Quantity

Mass Production, product is in mass production.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_production

Abbreviation for “Mini Serial Advanced Technology Attachment” - standard. In contrast to SATA (Interface, SATA1, 2 or 3), mSATA is a form factor (JEDEC: MO-300), basically the same as a normal 2.5" SSD without the housing.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

Moisture Sensitive Level (1/2/3). Sensitivity to moisture: The component can be processed within the stated periods of time without being damaged during the soldering process.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moisture_sensitivity_level

A non-volatile memory. NAND Flash is organized in blocks and is mainly used in applications that require fast writing and loading of large amounts of data.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memory#NAND_flash

Memory which retains content (i.e. data) even without a power supply (FLASH, EEPROM, MRAM etc.). In contrast to volatile memory, which without power supply lose their content (DRAM, SRAM).

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-volatile_memory

A non-volatile memory. The Byte-by-byte addressing enables direct program execution. NOR Flash is mainly used for applications in which the operating system or parts of it are located directly on the flash.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memory#NOR_flash

Nonvolatile memory express; a software interface (protocol) which is used to connect flash storage media (SSDs) to the processor unit via PCIe.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NVM_Express

Obsolete products. The process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used or manufactured.  Products „Become EOL“ when no further production of that product is planned (End of Life).

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolescence

An original design manufacturer (ODM) is a company that designs and manufactures a product, as specified, that is eventually rebranded by another firm for sale.  
 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_design_manufacturer

Printed Circuit Board, the often green colored board on which components are populated and interconnected.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printed_circuit_board

PCI Express "Peripheral Component Interconnect express" is a standardized, fast interface that connects peripheral devices to the main processor unit.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express

Product Discontinuation Notice

Product Termination Notification

Quad Flat Package describes a widely used housing design for integrated circuits in electronics. The connections (pins) are located on the four sides of the flat housing. QFP are soldered as surface-mounted components on printed circuit boards.

QFP usually have 32 to 200 pins, which are arranged in a pitch of 0.4 to 1 mm. With a smaller number of connections, the Small Outline Package (SOP or SOIC) is used, in which the pins are arranged on two opposite edges. For larger pin numbers, the Ball Grid Array (BGA) is often used, in which the entire underside serves as a connection area.

A direct predecessor of the QFP was the Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), which uses a larger pin spacing of 1.27 mm (50 mil) and has a significantly larger housing height.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quad_Flat_Package

Quadruple Level Cells, Flash cells which can save 4Bits.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_cell

Memory modules with four independently addressable data areas, each with 64 bit data bus width.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_rank

RAM is short for Random Access Memory.  A volatile memory block in which data is temporarily stored and is required for the execution of programs.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random-access_memory

Registered (also called buffered) memory modules have a register between the DRAM modules and the system's memory controller. They place less electrical load on the memory controller and allow single systems to remain stable with more memory modules than they would have otherwise.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_memory

Read Only Memory, memory from which data can only be read (not written).

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read-only_memory

Devices designed to be mechanically robust and resistant. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugged_computer

Serial ATA (Serial ATAttachment) – also abbreviated as SATA and S-ATA, is a computer interface for data exchange with hard drives and other storage devices. ATA stands for the transmission protocol "AT Attachment", in contrast to which the data is transmitted serially with SATA.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory: memory working synchronously with the clock of the system’s processor.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronous_dynamic_random-access_memory

Module version with a single 64 bit wide memory area.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_rank

Single-level cell memories store one bit in each cell. This leads to faster data transfer, lower energy consumption and an improved lifespan of the cell.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_cell

Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module: compact memory design e.g. for notebooks.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SO-DIMM

Small Outline Dual Inline Registered Memory Module: compact memory module design with registers for decoupling the address lines from the processor unit.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SO-DIMM

Standard Package Quantity can be in tube, tray or roll – numerical indication of standard package quantity (sealed).

Static random-access memory (static RAM or SRAM) is a type of semiconductor random-access memory (RAM) that uses bistable latching circuitry (flip-flop) to store each bit.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_random-access_memory

Solid State Drive: Data is stored in flash memory without any mechanical parts (thus making the term “Drive” inaccurate).

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive

Memory is available in different temperature ranges. The temperature refers to the ambient temperature in which the memory is operated.

The main range ratings are:  Commercial temperature (0-70 ° C), industrial temperature (-40-85 ° C) and automotive temperature (-40-125 ° C).

The manufacturer must approve the products for the respective temperature ranges.

Terahertz (unit), a unit of frequency, defined as one trillion cycles per second or hertz.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hertz

Triple level cells are flash cells that can store three bits.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_cell#Triple-level_cell

Thin Small-Outline Package is the standardized housing shape with connecting pins for DRAM up to SDRAM DDR1 technology. Now largely replaced by BGA housings (Ball Grid Array).

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_small_outline_package

An interface that is particularly popular with servers and mass storage systems in order to connect (U.2) SSDs to the computer system.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.2

Unbuffered DIMM is a module type in which address and data lines are not buffered and is therefore directly connected to the processor unit.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_memory

Universal Flash Storage (Media). A storage medium with a Flash controller and flash memory combined in a common housing. Will quickly replace eMMC in high-speed applications.  

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Flash_Storage

Ultra Low Profile Registered DIMM; a very compact modular design with a low overall height. It has registers to relieve the address driver lines of the processor unit. Be careful with the height, there is no uniform standard here.

Without buffer. Signal, address and data lines are directly connected between the memory and the processor unit.

Unregistered which indicates the signal, address and data lines are directly connected to the processor and in sync with its clock cycle.

Also called 3-dimensional flash.  32, 64 or more individual chips are put together in layers to form a three-dimensional chip construct – as compared to the "planar" or two-dimensional version of multi-chip construction, these forms deliver even higher memory densities.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memory#Vertical_NAND

Very Low Profile unbuffered DIMM; a compact modular design with a low overall height.  All data, address and control lines are directly connected to the processor unit.

Very Low Profile Registered DIMM; a compact modular design with a low overall height. It has registers to relieve the address driver lines of the processor unit.

Data stored inside this kind of memory will be lost as soon as the power supply is turned off. DRAM and SRAM are typical versions volatile memory.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_memory#