Case Study: Inphi Corporation achieves reliable DDR3-1600 memory-interface performance and eliminates costly re-spins with Keysight’s Advanced Design System (ADS)

Inphi Corporation Delivers Memory Interface Chip for DDR3-1600 Using Advanced Design System

Inphi Corporation, a leading provider of memory interface chips used in DDR3-1600 RDIMMs, faced the challenge of delivering 1.6 Gbps/pin single-ended performance across low-cost RDIMM connectors and FR4 motherboards while meeting tight cost and time‑to‑market targets. To solve this, Inphi used Keysight’s Advanced Design System (ADS) Signal Integrity Designer tools (including E8988L ADS High Speed Analog Designer Premier, W1112L GoldenGate, and the E8970 RFIC Dynamic Link to Cadence) to model channels, drivers, and system-level interactions.

Keysight’s ADS enabled detailed S‑parameter modeling, mixed‑signal time/frequency simulations and Cadence integration to explore design tradeoffs (stub resistance, terminations, crosstalk) and optimize eye opening. The accurate simulations prevented costly silicon re-spins and rework—avoiding hundreds of thousands of dollars per re-spin and millions in lost revenue from schedule delays—allowing Inphi to deliver a validated DDR3-1600 interface with reduced risk and lower development costs.

Inphi Corporation

Ramanan Thiagarajah

Product Line Manager