What is LPDDR5?
In today's world, where artificial intelligence and mobile devices are deeply intertwined, the next-generation memory technology is quietly reshaping our digital experiences. In June 2025, Micron Technology announced the shipment of the world's first LPDDR5X memory certified samples built on the 1γ (1-gamma) process node. This breakthrough technology pushes memory speeds up to 10.7 Gbps while reducing power consumption by up to 20%. As the first mobile memory solution worldwide to use extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, it not only opens new possibilities for accelerating AI applications in flagship smartphones but also draws widespread attention in the memory market. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to LPDDR5, including its definition, structure, performance compared with LPDDR4, market development, and more.
I. What is LPDDR5?
LPDDR5 stands for the fifth generation of Low Power Double Data Rate memory, specifically designed for mobile devices. It is a standard defined by JEDEC (the Solid State Technology Association) to meet the demand for high-performance, low-power memory in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. LPDDR5X is an enhanced version of LPDDR5, offering higher speeds and lower power consumption. The standard was released in 2021, initially reaching speeds of 8,533 Mb/s. Leading memory manufacturers, however, did not stop there—Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix further pushed LPDDR5X data transfer rates to 9,600 Mb/s in 2023.
II. Structure
The internal architecture of LPDDR5 includes three voltage domains: VDD1, VDD2, and VDDQ. VDD2 is further divided into VDD2H and VDD2L. Compared with LPDDR4, LPDDR5 reduces VDD2H from 1.1V to 1.05V and VDDQ from 0.6V to 0.5V, directly contributing to lower power consumption.
LPDDR5 supports multi-Bank Group mode, which adds more parallel data paths. This design is similar to upgrading from a single-lane to a multi-lane highway, significantly increasing data transfer bandwidth.
LPDDR5 also introduces two important new commands: Data-Copy and Write-X. The Data-Copy command allows LPDDR5 to replicate data from one I/O pin to others, improving data transfer efficiency. The Write-X command enables writing all 1s or all 0s to a specific address without sending the data from the SoC to LPDDR5, effectively reducing overall system power consumption.
Additionally, LPDDR5 introduces link-level ECC (Error Correction Code), improving data reliability and integrity—particularly important for safety-critical applications like automotive electronics.
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