DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE
\djˈuːə͡l ɪnlˈa͡ɪn mˈɛməɹˌi mˈɒdjuːl], \djˈuːəl ɪnlˈaɪn mˈɛməɹˌi mˈɒdjuːl], \d_j_ˈuː_əl ɪ_n_l_ˈaɪ_n m_ˈɛ_m_ə_ɹ_ˌi m_ˈɒ_d_j_uː_l]\
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Small circuit boards carrying memory integratedcircuits, with signal and power pins on both sides of theboard, 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 tothe same memory chip, while on a DIMM, the connections on eachside of the module connect to different chips. This allowsfor a wider data path, as more modules can be accessed atonce. DIMM pins are arranged in a zigzag design to allow PCBtracks to pass between them.The 8-byte DIMM format with dual-sided contacts canaccommodate 4- and 16-megabit dynamic RAM chips, and ispredicted to handle 64- and 256-Mbit devices. The 8-byte DIMMwill hold up to 32 megabytes of memory using 16-Mbit DRAMs,but with the 256-Mbit future-generation DRAM, it will be ableto hold a 64-Mx64 configuration. Another variation, the72-pin SO-DIMM, is designed to connect directly to 32 bitdata buses, and is intended for use in memory-expansionapplications in notebook computers.A Dual in-line memory module (DIMM), as opposed to SIMMs (usedby the majority of the PC industry) allows for a 128-bit datapath by interleaving memory on alternating memory accesscycles. SIMMs on the other hand, have a 64-bit data path.Suppliers are unanimous in their belief that the DIMM willeventually replace the SIMM as the market's preferred memorymodule.
By Denis Howe
Word of the day
Stricture of the cesophagus
- Dysphagia constricta-s. of the Pharynx, constricta.