This application note is to describe how to make the DDR system implementation of AM62x, AM62Lx processor board designs straightforward for all designers. The requirements have been distilled down to a set of layout and routing rules that allow designers to successfully implement a robust design for the topologies TI supports. The topics in this document include the board layout guidelines, board stackup, supported implementations, schematics, component placement, and trace length matching targets.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The AM62x, AM62Lx processors support two different types of DDR memories: DDR4 and LPDDR4. This allows customer board designs to be implemented with the memory type that best meets the target market at the lowest possible DDR SDRAM cost. This document has generic information that is applicable to both DDR4 and LPDDR4, as well as separate sections that are specific to each supported DDR memory type.
The goal of this document is to make the DDR system implementation straightforward for all designers. Requirements have been distilled down to a set of layout and routing rules that allow designers to successfully implement a robust design for the topologies that TI supports. At this time, TI does not provide timing parameters for the processor’s DDR PHY interface.
The PCB design work (design, layout, and fabrication) is expected to be performed and reviewed by a highly knowledgeable high-speed PCB designer. Problems such as impedance discontinuities when signals cross a split in a reference plane can be detected visually by those with the proper experience.
TI only supports board designs using DDR4 and LPDDR4 memory that follow the guidelines in this document. These guidelines are based on well-known transmission line properties for copper traces routed over a solid reference plane. Declaring insufficient PCB space does not allow routing guidelines to be discounted.