Montage Technology Delivers Gen2 MRCD & MDB Engineering Samples for DDR5 MRDIMM, Achieving 12800 MT/s
Montage Technology has announced a major milestone in memory performance with the successful sampling of its Gen2 Multiplexed Rank Registering Clock Driver (MRCD) and Multiplexed Rank Data Buffer (MDB) chipset to leading global memory manufacturers. Supporting DDR5 Multiplexed Rank DIMM (MRDIMM) technology, this next-generation solution is capable of data rates up to 12800 MT/s, which represents a 45% improvement compared to the company’s Gen1 products running at 8800 MT/s. This leap forward addresses the ever-growing demand for higher memory bandwidth in data centers, fueled by workloads such as AI training, big data analytics, and multi-tenant cloud computing.
The need for increased memory throughput has become more acute as server processors incorporate larger core counts and handle more complex datasets. MRDIMM technology has thus emerged as a key solution to alleviate bandwidth bottlenecks. Montage’s Gen2 chipset is based on a “1+10” buffer design, where each MRDIMM module incorporates one MRCD chip and ten MDB chips. The MRCD acts as an intermediary, buffering and re-driving address, command, control, and clock signals from the memory controller, while the ten MDB chips manage data transfers between the memory controller and the onboard DRAM modules. Leveraging double data rate and time-division multiplexing techniques, the MRDIMM can effectively run two memory ranks in parallel at standard operating frequencies, delivering near-double throughput without sacrificing stability or compatibility.
Building on Gen1 Success
Montage Technology’s Gen1 MRCD and MDB solution, which supports data speeds up to 8800 MT/s, has already enjoyed broad industry adoption, with many memory manufacturers incorporating it into their server-grade offerings. The company’s swift move to Gen2 underscores the appetite for higher performance in data-hungry environments. By sampling the new chipset now, Montage aims to fast-track qualification processes among OEM partners, paving the way for a smoother integration into next-generation data center platforms.
Stronger Position in Data Center Memory
Commenting on the accomplishment, Stephen Tai, President of Montage Technology, emphasized how the rapid succession from Gen1 to Gen2 reflects Montage’s deep commitment to advancing DDR5 memory technology. “The memory demands of AI and other intensive workloads continue to drive innovation in data center memory architecture,” said Tai. “Our rapid progression from first-generation production to second-generation sampling demonstrates Montage Technology’s expertise to DDR5 memory technology. This achievement strengthens our position as a leader in memory interface solutions.”
With Gen2 MRCD and MDB now available as engineering samples, data center operators and server OEMs can begin evaluating the technology’s ability to address emerging performance bottlenecks. Going forward, Montage plans to collaborate even more closely with its ecosystem partners, ensuring that MRDIMM-based architectures can scale in tandem with CPU roadmap advancements.
Comprehensive Solutions and Gen5 DDR5 RCD
In addition to MRCD and MDB products, Montage offers a broad suite of memory interface solutions, including RCD (Registering Clock Driver), DB (Data Buffer), CKD (Clock Driver), SPD Hub (Serial Presence Detect Hub), PMIC (Power Management IC), and TS (Thermal Sensor). The company also revealed it has started sampling its Gen5 DDR5 RCD (RCD05) chip in the fourth quarter of 2024, demonstrating a forward-leaning approach to shaping the future of DDR5 technology. Through this extensive product portfolio, Montage aims to provide a one-stop-shop for high-performance memory solutions, allowing customers to simplify their supply chain and optimize overall system integration.
Do you think MRDIMM’s higher speeds and unique architecture will become the go-to standard for next-generation servers? Share your thoughts on whether this technology can keep up with AI’s escalating demands!
