DDR3L -> DDR3 compatibility

[rgc_]

Hello folks,

I have been using Micron DDR3 chips in A7 series. Sadly, part availability for 256x16 are going low and prices rocket.
OTOH, same chips in DDR3L are available and well priced (would they be phasing out 'high-voltage' DDR3 chips?).

MIG seems to have a different clock period for DDR3 and DDR3L (400 vs 333 MHz), which is ungood.
However, the DDR3L parts are supposed to be 'backwards compatible to DDR3' (or voltage-compatible). So my question:

Can I just use a DDR3L part, power the bank with 1V5 and party?

Best

rgc

[wasedadoc]

This sub-forum is for FPGA topics. "Everything programmable logic related. FPGA's, PLD's, VHDL, Verilog etc"

 DDR3 and DDR3L are RAM, not FPGA etc

[rgc_]

I am kindly asking connecting a DDR3L to an Artix 7 FPGA :-)

[asmi]

Can I just use a DDR3L part, power the bank with 1V5 and party?

Yes you can, and here is the proof: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/fpga/planningdesignreview-for-a-6-layer-xilinx-artix-7-board-for-diy-computer/msg5134983/#msg5134983 (Note the SODIMM is DDR3L 1.35 V yet it's powered by 1.5 V).

Any DDR3L device is guaranteed to work as DDR3 one with the same timings. Also - as long as you use JEDEC timings (which is what MIG does), you can use DDR3/DDR3L device from any vendor as long as it's got the same internal organization (say 256Mx16) and the same speed grade (or better) as the device you've chosen in MIG. For example, right now there are plenty of cheap DDR3L devices from Kingston on Mouser, you can use them instead of Micron parts with no problems.

[rgc_]

Thank you asmi, great info. Much appreciated.

/rgc