The Synopsys LPDDR5/4/4X PHY is Synopsys’ physical (PHY) layer IP interface solution for ASICs, ASSPs, system-on-chips (SoCs) and system- in-package applications requiring high-performance LPDDR5, LPDDR4, and LPDDR4X SDRAM interfaces operating at up to 6400 Mbps. With multiple
interfaces and supporting a wide frequency range, the LPDDR5/4/4X PHY can be used in a variety of mobile applications supporting LPDDR5 or LPDDR4/4X SDRAMs, precisely targeting specific Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) requirements of these systems.
Optimized for high performance, low latency, low area, low power, and ease of integration, the LPDDR5/4/4X PHY is provided as the following hardened IP components:
A single-bit macrocell (SE slice) for single-ended Command/Address (C/A) and Data (DQ) signals
A single-bit macrocell (DIFF slice) for differential signals (clock signals)
A single-bit macrocell (CMOS slice) for CMOS logic-level based C/A signals
A master macrocell (MASTER)
These macrocells include fully integrated IOs and are easily assembled into a variety of configurations supporting a wide range of SoC DRAM interface requirements. Supporting the GDSII-based PHY is the RTL-based PHY Utility
Block (PUB) that features Synopsys’ unique firmware-based training capability. In addition to training the interface after boot-up, the PUB contains the configuration registers for the PHY, performs periodic delay line compensation against voltage and temperature drift, and facilitates ATE testing and interface diagnostics. The LPDDR5/4/4X PHY includes a DFI 5.0 interface to the memory controller and can be combined with the Synopsys LPDDR5/4/4X Universal Memory (uMCTL5) for a complete DDR interface solution.
LPDDR5/4/4X PHY in Samsung (14nm) for Automotive
Overview
Key Features
- Low latency, small area, low power
- Compatible with JEDEC standard LPDDR5 SDRAMs up to 6400 Mbps
- Compatible with JEDEC standard LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X SDRAMs up to 4267 Mbps
- DFI 5.0 compliant interface to the memory controller
- LPDDR5 DFI Frequency Ratio Support: DFI 1:1:4, 1:1:2 modes (DFICLK:CK:WCK)
- LPDDR4 / LPDDR4X DFI Frequency Ratio Support: DFI 1:2, 1:4 mode support
- Flexible channel architecture
- 16- or 32-bit data path widths, supporting either single x32 channel or two x16 channels
- 64-bit support via two 32-bit PHYs or four 16-bit PHYs
- 1 or 2 memory ranks comprised of x16 and/or x8 (“byte mode”) DRAM devices, including packages using x8 devices on one rank and x16 devices on another
- Flexible configuration options: up to 2 DQ loads, 8 CA loads, and 4 CS loads
- Support for many DRAM packaging options:
- SDRAM components soldered directly to PCB
- Package on Package PoP devices
- PHY independent, firmware-based training using an embedded calibration processor
- Utilizes specialized hardware acceleration engines
- Automatic periodic retraining through the DFI MASTER Interface
- Supports:
- Command Bus Training (VREF and Delay)
- Write Leveling, Read Gate Training
- Write/Read Training:
- Per-bit DQS to DQ centering and per-bit deskew
- Per-rank VREFDQ training on DRAM DQ bits
- Periodic retraining for DRAM write (tDQS2DQ) and read (tDQSCK) drift
- IO calibration and ODT calibration
- Supports 1 tap of Decision Feedback Equalization
- Periodic retraining for DRAM write (tDQS2DQ) and read (tDQSCK) drift
- Read data capture using differential RDQS strobe pair, or, at lower speeds (threshold TBD) using a strobeless CDR-like data capture
- Support for up to fifteen distinct trained states/frequencies to permit fast frequency changes
- Each trained state can have unique frequency and I/O drive and ODT impedance settings
- Three inactive idle states:
- DFI_LP Mode: most clocks and delay lines gated
- PHY Inactive: leakage only
- PHY Retention: Core power removed, most I/Os powered down, SDRAMs held in self-refresh
- Voltage and temperature compensated delay lines used for:
- Centering the clock in the address/command window and strobes in the data eyes
- Includes a low-jitter PLL for both PHY clock generation and SDRAM clock generation
- Only one PLL is required per DDR PHY
- Support for all write preamble/postamble settings defined by JEDEC
- SW controllable DQ bit and AC bit swizzling
- Supports PHYs that go around a die corner and support for both East-West and North-South orientations
- Includes the PHY Utility Block (PUB)
- Soft IP Verilog design that includes PHY control features, such as read/write leveling and data eye training
- APB and JTAG interfaces for register access
- Test support:
- At-speed loopback testing on both the address and data channels
- Delay line BIST
- MUX-scan ATPG (stuck-at SCAN)
- PLL lock test
- ZQ calibration test
- Facilitates a JTAG register interface for easy test access
- Firmware-based 2D eye mapping diagnostic tool allows measuring 2D eye for every bit of the bus at both DRAM and host receivers
- Direct override programming available for all VREF, ODT, drive strength, and timing delays to facilitate debug and characterization
- Automotive grade PHYs in development
Benefits
- Supports JEDEC standard LPDDR5, LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X SDRAMs
- Support for data rates up to 6400Mbps
- Designed for rapid integration with Synopsys Enhanced Universal DDR Memory Controller (uMCTL5) for a complete DDR interface solution
- DFI 5.0 controller interface
- PHY independent, firmware-based training using an embedded calibration processor
- Optional dual channel architecture for LPDDR5/4/4X modes, which facilitates two independent channels in less area versus two independent PHYs
- Support for DFI-based low power modes and lower power sleep and retention modes
- Support for up to 15 trained states/
- frequencies with < 5us switching time???
- Flexible implementation to support Package-On-Package (PoP) or discrete DRAM-on-PCB systems with optimized PHY architecture
- Built-in anti-aging features to prevent effects of NBTI & HCI
Applications
- Smartphones and tablets
- Embedded mobile computing
- Ultraportable laptops/“Ultrabooks”
- Automotive
- Mobile multimedia
- Digital home/office
- Wireless connectivity
Deliverables
- Executable .run installation file which includes GDSII, LEF files, LVS netlists, .lib/.db timing models, Verilog model, DRC/LVS log files, I/O IBIS Model, I/O HSPICE netlist, parameterized Verilog top-level PHY netlist files, sample Verification Environment, PHY data book, physical implementation guide, app notes, verification guide, installation guide, and implementation checklist
- PUB includes Verilog code, Synthesis/ STA constraints and scripts, sample verification environment, and data book
- Implementation Guide, Application notes, and quick start manuals
- Firmware for training, ATE test and diagnostics
- DDR PHY compiler
- Support for PHY emulation
- Optional deliverables include:
- Signal integrity consulting services
- PHY hardening consulting services
- Subsystems consulting services
- IP Prototyping kit for FPGA-based prototyping
Technical Specifications
Foundry, Node
Samsung 14nm - LPU
Maturity
Available on request
Availability
Available
Samsung
Pre-Silicon:
14nm
Related IPs
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- LPDDR5/4/4X PHY - TSMC N7 for Automotive, ASIL B Random, AEC-Q100 Grade 2
- UCIe-S PHY for Standard Package (x16) in TSMC N5A, N/S, for Automotive, ASIL B Random, AEC-Q100 Grade 2
- UCIe-S PHY for Standard Package (x16) in TSMC N3E, North/South Orientation
- LPDDR5X/5/4X PHY - TSMC N5A for Automotive, ASIL B Random, AEC-Q100 Grade 2