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Virtual Channel Memory

What Does Virtual Channel Memory Mean?

Virtual channel memory (VCM) is a type of Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) designed to provide lower latency and improved performance than standard SDRAM.

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Compatible with the PC 133 MHz SDRAM standard, it was a proprietary NEC technology released in late 1990 as a cheaper alternative to RDRAM technology.

Techopedia Explains Virtual Channel Memory

VCM provisions a virtual channel for each master memory request, enabling parallel read and write memory operations. VCMs are known for:

  • Faster data access speed and performance, as its architectures place static registers between the core memory and pins
  • Providing parallel virtual channels

VCM memory is electrically, mechanically, pin and package compatible with standard SDRAM. However, the commands used on a VCM differ from those used on SDRAM.

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