Near Ground Signaling

Near Ground Signaling (NGS) is a single-ended, ground-terminated signaling technology that enables high data rates at significantly reduced Input Output (IO) signaling power and design complexity, while maintaining excellent signal integrity. With a VDDIO of 0.5V, Near Ground Signaling has a reduced signal swing compared to traditional Stub Series Terminated Logic (SSTL) signaling and lowers IO power on both the DRAM and controller.

This lower IO voltage is better matched to the operating voltage of advanced CPU’s and GPU’s and reduces the cost and complexity of integrating the memory controller on the processor chip.

Commercial and Performance Benefits

• NGS enables high performance single-ended signaling by lowering the operating voltage to 0.5V and applying Rambus innovations to maintain robust signal integrity at near ground levels.
• NGS decreases active IO power consumption by lowering the signal swing and terminating to ground.
• NGS can potentially save costs of implementing an integrated memory controller.