BOARD LAYOUT
6.3 Memory interface
6.3.1 Introduction
In order to achieve SDRAM memory interfaces
which work at clock frequencies of 66MHz and
above, careful consideration has to be given to the
timing of the interface with all the various electrical
and physical constraints taken into consideration.
The guidelines described below are related to
SDRAM components on DIMM modules. For ap-
plications where the memories are directly sol-
dered to the motherboard, the PCB should be laid
out such that the trace lengths fit within the con-
straints shown here. The traces could be slightly
longer since the extra routing on the DIMM PCB is
no longer present but it is then up to the user to
verify the timings.
6.3.2 SDRAM Clocking Scheme
The SDRAM Clocking Scheme deserves a special
mention here. Basically the memory clock is gen-
erated on-chip through a PLL and goes directly to
the MCLKO output pin of the STPC. The nominal
frequency is 66MHz. Because of the high load
Figure 6-9. Clock scheme
presented to the MCLK on the board by the
DIMMs it is recommeded to rebuffer the MCLKO
signal on the board and balance the skew to the
clock ports of the different DIMMs and the MCLKI
input pin of STPC.
MCLKO
PLL
PLL
MCLKI
MA[] +Control
MD[]
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Release B
This is preliminary information on a new product now in development or undergoing evaluation. Details are subject to change without notice.