Cost-minimized Double Die DRAM Packaging for Ultra-High Performance DDR3 and DDR4 Multi-Rank Server DIMMs

Richard Crisp1,  Bill Gervasi2,  Wael Zohni1,  Bel Haba3
1Invensas Corp, 2Discobolus Designs, 3Tessera Inc.


Abstract

A cost-minimized generation-spanning double die DRAM packaging (DDP) technology suitable for making ultra-high performance high-capacity server DIMMs for both the DDR3 and DDR4 DRAM generations was developed. Using existing wirebond-based manufacturing infrastructure it is immediately deployable with no new assembly equipment required.

Significant results were obtained relating to performance enhancement and cost reduction versus existing packaging and DIMM designs. Both die are mounted face down in the package with each showing identical performance. Bin split yields are enhanced significantly. The package ballout features placement of the command and address terminals in the center of the package permitting single-layer routing of the timing-critical address and command bus at the DIMM level. Data and Data Strobe signals have shorter routing stubs on the DIMM. The improved PCB layout resulting from the new ballout resulted in a quadrank RDIMM capable of operating at over 1600MT/s in a two DIMM per channel configuration: 50% faster than standard DIMMs.

The face-down laterally displaced die arrangement with a sub-1mm package thickness reduces the thermal impedance by 25% versus conventional DDPs. Total assembly cost is the lowest of any DDP and on a per-die basis is lower than Single Die Packaging.