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Security for established systems: How Goodram Industrial ensures long-term supply of industrial DDR3 DRAM modules. The strategic role of DDR3 memory in industry

In modern industry, system stability, longevity, and reliable availability are more crucial than pure peak performance. Many industrial and embedded systems, from factory automation to medical technology, have been developed and validated over many years for long-term operation (often 10 years or more). These systems often use DDR3 technology, which has proven to be robust, energy-efficient, and stable. For applications such as industrial automation, robotics, outdoor signage, transportation, and telecommunications, continuing to use this proven technology is a strategic decision, as the costs and risks of redesigning existing, often safety-critical systems are immense. 

The main argument for choosing DDR3 in these sectors is often the total cost of ownership (TCO). Unlike the consumer market, which is driven by a rapid innovation cycle and the desire for the latest technology, industrial applications are focused on minimizing downtime and securing long-term investments. The price of a single memory module is negligible compared to the costs incurred by a system interruption, complete re-approval, or an unplanned redesign process. The continuous availability of a reliable, uniquely qualified product therefore offers invaluable added value and true planning security for companies. 

Security for established systems: How Goodram Industrial ensures long-term supply of industrial DDR3 DRAM modules. The strategic role of DDR3 memory in industry

In modern industry, system stability, longevity, and reliable availability are more crucial than pure peak performance. Many industrial and embedded systems, from factory automation to medical technology, have been developed and validated over many years for long-term operation (often 10 years or more). These systems often use DDR3 technology, which has proven to be robust, energy-efficient, and stable. For applications such as industrial automation, robotics, outdoor signage, transportation, and telecommunications, continuing to use this proven technology is a strategic decision, as the costs and risks of redesigning existing, often safety-critical systems are immense. 

The main argument for choosing DDR3 in these sectors is often the total cost of ownership (TCO). Unlike the consumer market, which is driven by a rapid innovation cycle and the desire for the latest technology, industrial applications are focused on minimizing downtime and securing long-term investments. The price of a single memory module is negligible compared to the costs incurred by a system interruption, complete re-approval, or an unplanned redesign process. The continuous availability of a reliable, uniquely qualified product therefore offers invaluable added value and true planning security for companies. 

Industrial requirements: Top quality as standard

Industrial memory modules are not conventional consumer products. Their construction and design must meet the challenging and often extreme conditions in which they are used. These requirements go far beyond pure capacity or speed and are fundamental to operational reliability. 

The extended temperature range and its nuances

One of the most basic requirements for industrial memory is its ability to operate in extreme temperature ranges. While standard memory typically operates reliably at 0°C to 70°C, industrial modules must cover a significantly wider range from -40°C to +85°C. In some safety-critical applications in automotive engineering or in high-temperature environments, this range can even extend to +105 °C or +125 °C. The JEDEC standards make a precise distinction between the ambient temperature (ta) and the case temperature (tc) of the ICs. Since the case temperature is always higher than the ambient temperature due to operating heat, a robust thermal design is crucial to ensure reliability under load. 

Protection against external influences

In addition to temperature, industrial memory modules are exposed to severe physical stress. They must withstand vibrations, shocks, and high humidity, as is common in factories, vehicles, or outdoor installations. Specialized protection technologies are used to meet these challenges: 

  • Conformal coating: A thin polymer layer applied to the circuit board to protect components from moisture, corrosion, oxidation, and environmental contaminants. This coating is essential for operation in humid, dusty, or liquid-cooled environments. 
  • Anti-sulfuration: A hidden but critical property. Certain environments, such as those created by car exhaust, volcanoes, or even rubber materials in the device itself, may contain sulfur compounds in the air. These sulfur components can react with the silver electrodes in the resistors and form non-conductive silver sulfide (Ag2 S), which can lead to catastrophic failure. Anti-sulfuration measures prevent this chemical decay and ensure the long-term stability of the module. 
Goodram DDR3 UDIMM

DDR3 UDIMM

  • Available capacities:
 2 GB to 8 GB

  • Form factor: UDIMM, ECC-UDIMM

  • Voltage: 1,35 V / 1,5V

  • Data Rate: 1066, 1333, 1600, 1866 MT/s

  • Temperature range: 
Std: 0°C - +85°C
, Ext: -40°C to +85°C

  • Conformal Coating: optional

  • Lifetime warranty + technical support

Goodram DDR3 SODIMM

DDR3 SODIMM

  • Available capacities:
 2 GB to 8 GB

  • Form factor: SODIMM, ECC-SODIMM

  • Voltage: 1,35 V / 1,5V

  • Data Rate: 1066, 1333, 1600, 1866 MT/s

  • Temperature range:
 Std: 0°C - +85°C
, Ext: -40°C to +85°C

  • Conformal Coating: optional

  • Lifetime warranty + technical support

The Bill of Materials

One of the most important requirements for industrial components is consistency. The concept of a fixed bill of materials (fixed BOM) guarantees that the underlying components (DRAM chips, resistors, etc.) of a module remain unchanged throughout the entire product life cycle. In the consumer sector, components are often changed without notice for cost reasons. In industrial applications, this is unacceptable, as any component change could result in costly and time-consuming requalification of the entire system.

The following table summarizes the fundamental differences for clarification

Criterion

Consumer DRAM

Industrial DRAM

Added value for industrial customers

Temperature range

Typically 0 °C to +70 °C

Extended: -40 °C to +85 °C or more

Reliable operation in extreme environments

Component consistency

Frequent changes for cost optimization

Guaranteed fixed bill of material (fixed BOM)

Avoidance of costly revalidations

Physical robustness

Susceptible to vibrations and moisture

Protection through conformal coating, anti-sulfuration

Protection against environmental influences, ensuring operational life

Lifecycle support

Rapid discontinuation, short availability

Long-term availability, PCN/EOL management

Long-term planning, security and investment protection

A changing market landscape: The challenge of long-term availability

High demand for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI systems has led to a dramatic shift in the global memory market. Leading DRAM manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are increasingly shifting their production capacities to more profitable DDR5 and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technologies. According to industry reports, these industry giants plan to discontinue production of DDR3 and DDR4 by the end of 2025. This development poses a significant threat to companies that rely on DDR3 memory. The decline in production by major suppliers is leading to a shortage of supply, which in turn is resulting in price volatility and unpredictable delivery bottlenecks. 

The market gap created by the withdrawal of established manufacturers could be filled by smaller, less proven suppliers, but their quality control and long-term stability are unclear. The biggest risk, however, is the fact that DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 are not interchangeable. Due to different supply voltages (DDR3: 1.5 V/1.35 V; DDR4: 1.2 V; DDR5: 1.1 V), pin layouts, and the required memory controller designs, the generations are not upward or downward compatible. A lack of availability of DDR3 memory would therefore force a complete, unplanned, and expensive system redesign process that would jeopardize investments in validated systems.

Goodram Industrial: Your partner for industrial memory solutions

In this uncertain market landscape, Goodram Industrial positions itself as a reliable and strategic partner. As a brand of Polish manufacturer Wilk Elektronik S.A., Goodram is the only DRAM module producer in Europe and offers a decisive competitive advantage through its proximity to customers. With over 30 years of experience in the memory business and its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility  , the company can fill the gap left by the global semiconductor giants.

The foundation: European manufacturing and experience

Wilk Elektronik S.A. stands out for its vertical integration. The entire value chain—from research and development to production, quality assurance, and technical support—takes place at a single location. This "in-house, under one roof" philosophy enables seamless control over the entire manufacturing process and guarantees the highest quality. The company is certified according to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, which confirms its commitment to quality management and environmental standards.

Uncompromising quality: the guarantee of reliability

The quality of Goodram Industrial products is ensured by multi-stage testing procedures. After SMT manufacturing, the modules undergo an open/short test to verify correct assembly. They are then subjected to intensive application testing using software on the company's own test platforms. These tests simulate demanding scenarios such as image processing and multithreaded applications to verify data integrity and stability. A crucial step is the use of artificial aging processes (burn-in tests), which eliminate early failures and ensure the long-term reliability of the products.

Long-term support as a strategic advantage

Goodram Industrial sees itself not only as a supplier, but also as a partner. The company's philosophy is focused on providing customers with customized solutions and long-term support. The fixed BOM, combined with transparent product change notifications (PCN) and end-of-life (EOL) management, ensures that customers are informed of changes and can plan transitions in advance. In addition, the company offers comprehensive technical support, customer-specific solutions with individual part numbers, and customized technological processes.

Performance feature

Goodram's approach

Relevance for industrial customers

Manufacturing

Own European production

Independence from global supply chains, proximity to the manufacturer

Quality

In-house testing, proprietary software, artificial aging

Maximum reliability, elimination of early failures

Long-term availability

Fixed BOM, PCN and EOL management

Protection of investments, avoidance of unplanned redesigns

Flexibility

Customized products, competent partnership

Customized products, competent partnership

The Goodram Industrial portfolio includes a wide range of DDR3 modules in the common DIMM and SODIMM form factors. These modules are available in capacities from 4 GB to 8 GB, with special LRDIMM modules for servers even reaching 32 GB. The modules support frequencies of up to 1600 MHz and voltages of 1.35 V and 1.5 V, ensuring high compatibility with a wide range of legacy systems.

Conclusion: Planning security in uncertain times

The transformation in the global memory market, driven by rising demand for HBM and DDR5, poses a real threat to companies whose systems rely on DDR3 technology. The departure of major manufacturers from this segment creates a gap that increases the risk of supply bottlenecks, price volatility, and the need for costly system redesigns.

Goodram Industrial, with its unique position as a European manufacturer, is a rock in the surf. The company offers not only high-quality products, but also a comprehensive solution to the challenges of long-term availability. The combination of in-house manufacturing, strict quality processes, a fixed BOM, and proactive lifecycle management makes Goodram Industrial the ideal partner for anyone who depends on the stability and security of their existing systems. Choosing Goodram Industrial is therefore more than just a purchase - it is an investment in continuity and long-term security.

goodram industrial
Goodram Industrial Catalogue

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Thomas Graffweg
Thomas GraffwegLine Manager StoreThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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