TN-41-14: DDR3 SDRAM 1.35V-to-1.

5V Compatibility
Introduction

Technical Note
DDR3 SDRAM 1.35V-to-1.5V Compatibility

Introduction
DDR3 SDRAM Voltage Offerings
Micron® offers DDR3 SDRAM devices in two different operating voltage levels:
• 1.5V standard voltage for DDR3 devices
• 1.35V low voltage for DDR3L and DDR3L-RS devices
Note: The DDR3L-RS device is a low-power version of DDR3L that includes a tempera-
ture-compensated self refresh (TCSR) mode.
This technical note clarifies the voltage backward compatibility statement for 1.35V
DDR3L and DDR3L-RS devices.

1.35V DDR3L/L-RS Backward Compatibility to DDR3 1.5V

All Micron DDR3L and DDR3L-RS data sheets include the following bullets under
Features on the first page:
• VDD = V DDQ = 1.35V (1.283–1.45V)
• Backward compatible to V DD = V DDQ = 1.5V ±0.075V
The second bullet is the voltage backward compatibility statement, which specifies that
the 1.35V DDR3L or DDR3L-RS part is backward compatible to 1.5V operation.
Micron 1.35V DDR3L and DDR3L-RS devices use the same die as 1.5V DDR3 devices,
but have been separated during the test screen and marking process. The Micron 1.35V
test screen incorporates testing to ensure backward compatibility to 1.5V operation.
Therefore, all parts marked as DDR3L or DDR3L-RS are backward compatible to parts
marked as DDR3, and meet the JEDEC 1.5V voltage level operation specifications. This
is in compliance with both Micron and JEDEC specifications.

PDF: 09005aef84ddf4f5
tn4114_ddr3_1_35v_1_5v_compat.pdf - Rev. B 10/12 EN 1 Micron Technology, Inc. reserves the right to change products or specifications without notice.
© 2012 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
Products and specifications discussed herein are subject to change by Micron without notice.
 TN-41-14: DDR3 SDRAM 1.35V-to-1.5V Compatibility
Conclusion

Conclusion
Micron 1.35V DDR3L and DDR3L-RS parts are backward compatible to 1.5V DDR3
parts. This means that a 1.35V device will function at the 1.5V voltage condition speci-
fied by JEDEC.

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All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This data sheet contains minimum and maximum limits specified over the power supply and temperature range set forth herein.
Although considered final, these specifications are subject to change, as further product development and data characterization some-
times occur.

PDF: 09005aef84ddf4f5
tn4114_ddr3_1_35v_1_5v_compat.pdf - Rev. B 10/12 EN 2 Micron Technology, Inc. reserves the right to change products or specifications without notice.
© 2012 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.