DIMM ==>
Dual In-line Memory Module
<storage> Small circuit boards carrying memory integrated circuits, with
signal and power pins on both sides of the board, in contrast to single-in-line
memory modules (SIMM).
The individual gold or lead connectors (pins) on SIMMs, although they are on
both sides of the chip, are connected to the same memory chip, while on a DIMM,
the connections on each side of the module connect to different chips. This
allows for a wider data path, as more modules can be accessed at once. DIMM pins
are arranged in a zigzag design to allow PCB tracks to pass between them.
The 8-byte DIMM format with dual-sided contacts can accommodate 4- and
16-megabit dynamic RAM chips, and is predicted to handle 64- and 256-Mbit
devices. The 8-byte DIMM will hold up to 32 megabytes of memory using 16-Mbit
DRAMs, but with the 256-Mbit future-generation DRAM, it will be able to hold a
64-Mx64 configuration. Another variation, the 72-pin SO-DIMM, is designed to
connect directly to 32 bit data buses, and is intended for use in
memory-expansion applications in notebook computers.
A Dual in-line memory module (DIMM), as opposed to SIMMs (used by the majority
of the PC industry) allows for a 128-bit data path by interleaving memory on
alternating memory access cycles. SIMMs on the other hand, have a 64-bit data
path. Suppliers are unanimous in their belief that the DIMM will eventually
replace the SIMM as the market's preferred memory module.
(1996-01-28)
Nearby terms:
dual boot « dual-homed « Dual In-Line « Dual
In-line Memory Module » Dual In-Line Package »
dual ported » dual-stack
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