In This Article
- What is LPDDR5X and Why It Matters for Industrial and Embedded Computing
- Understanding LPDDR5X
- Built-in to the CPU vs. Motherboard-Soldered Memory: What’s the Difference?
- Key Features of LPDDR5X for Industrial Use
- LPDDR5X vs LPDDR5 vs DDR5: What’s New?
- Processors, SoCs, and Platforms with LPDDR5X Support
- Products with LPDDR5X Support
- Why LPDDR5X is the Future of Industrial Memory
- AAEON de next-RAP8 with LPDDR5X Support
- Ready to Try LPDDR5X in Your Next Project?
What is LPDDR5X and Why It Matters for Industrial and Embedded Computing
As the demand for high-performance, low-power memory continues to grow in industrial and embedded systems, LPDDR5X has emerged as a powerful solution. Originally designed for mobile devices, LPDDR5X offers a range of benefits that now make it a compelling choice for advanced industrial computing applications – from AI-driven edge devices to compact embedded systems.
Understanding LPDDR5X
LPDDR5X (Low Power Double Data Rate 5X) is the latest evolution of low-power DRAM. While it was initially developed for consumer electronics like smartphones and tablets, its high speed, low power consumption, and AI-ready capabilities make it equally valuable in industrial and embedded environments.
Built-in to the CPU vs. Motherboard-Soldered Memory: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to LPDDR5X memory in industrial and embedded systems, it’s important to understand how memory is physically integrated into the platform. There are two main configurations:
🔹 1. CPU with Built-In (On-Package or On-Die) Memory
Some modern processors – such as Apple’s M-series or select Intel Meteor Lake chips – feature memory built directly into the CPU package (on-package) or even on the same silicon die (on-die).
- Advantages:
- Ultra-low latency due to direct proximity to the CPU
- Higher bandwidth for memory-intensive workloads
- Compact footprint, ideal for space-constrained devices
- Use Cases:
- High-performance embedded systems
- Fanless AI edge devices
- Industrial tablets and handhelds
- Considerations:
- Memory is non-upgradable
- Heat dissipation and design flexibility can be limited
🔹 2. Memory Soldered to the Motherboard (External to CPU)
In many industrial-grade systems, like those using the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, LPDDR5X memory is soldered directly onto the motherboard, not the CPU.
- Advantages:
- Still offers tight integration with CPU, GPU, and NPU via high-bandwidth buses
- Allows for larger memory capacity (up to 128GB LPDDR5X in some cases)
- More flexible thermal and board-level design options for embedded engineers
- Use Cases:
- Embedded boards and box PCs
- Ruggedized industrial systems
- AI-enabled edge gateways
- Considerations:
- Memory is also non-upgradable, but soldered modules are more customizable at the manufacturing stage
Which is Better for Industrial Use?
Both configurations are suitable for industrial applications, depending on your project’s performance, size, thermal, and longevity requirements. On-die memory can provide blazing-fast speeds in ultra-compact designs, while soldered memory on the motherboard offers more design flexibility, higher capacity, and easier integration into custom or long-lifecycle systems.
Key Features of LPDDR5X for Industrial Use
🔹 Ultra-High Data Transfer
LPDDR5X delivers speeds of up to 8533 MT/s and beyond, significantly outperforming its predecessor, LPDDR5. This makes it ideal for real-time processing in industrial automation, AI inference, and machine vision applications.
🔹 Low Power Operation
With an operating voltage around 0.5V, LPDDR5X reduces power consumption, an essential advantage for fanless embedded systems, battery-powered industrial IoT devices, and rugged edge computers deployed in remote or harsh environments.
🔹 Enhanced Signal Integrity
Advanced signal equalization features such as transmitter and receiver equalization (TX/RX) ensure reliable and stable data transfers, critical for mission-critical industrial applications where accuracy and stability are paramount.
🔹 Compact Form Factor
Modern LPDDR5X memory modules are incredibly thin – some as slim as 0.61mm – making them ideal for space-constrained embedded systems, panel PCs, and custom computing solutions.
🔹 AI-Ready Performance
LPDDR5X is optimized to support on-device AI processing, helping edge computing systems run complex AI workloads efficiently without relying on cloud infrastructure. This is particularly important for real-time analytics, predictive maintenance, and smart factory automation.
🔹 Higher Memory Capacity
Supporting up to 32GB per package, LPDDR5X can meet the growing memory requirements of AI, automation, and multimedia processing in embedded and industrial applications.
LPDDR5X vs LPDDR5 vs DDR5: What’s New?
| Feature | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 | DDR5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Low Power DRAM (Mobile/Embedded) | Low Power DRAM (Mobile/Embedded) | Standard DRAM (Desktop/Server) |
| Target Use | Embedded, mobile, edge AI, industrial systems | Embedded, mobile, industrial devices | Desktops, servers, high-performance computing |
| Max Data Rate | Up to 8533 MT/s (and beyond) | Up to 6400 MT/s | Typically up to 6400 MT/s (higher in future) |
| Operating Voltage | ~0.5V | ~0.6V | ~1.1V |
| Power Efficiency | Excellent | Very good | Moderate |
| Form Factor | Soldered to board (BGA) | Soldered to board (BGA) | DIMM modules (replaceable) |
| Signal Integrity | Enhanced (TX/RX equalization) | Good | Depends on system design |
| AI & Edge Readiness | Optimized for AI inference & real-time edge tasks | Suitable | Less optimized for power-sensitive edge AI |
| Memory Capacity (Typical) | Up to 32GB per package | Up to 16GB per package | Up to 128GB+ per module |
| Upgradeability | Not user-upgradable | Not user-upgradable | User-upgradable (via DIMM slots) |
| Thermal Profile | Low – Ideal for fanless systems | Low – Ideal for compact systems | Higher – Requires active cooling |
| Use in Industrial Systems | ✔ Fanless embedded PCs, AI edge devices | ✔ Embedded controllers, IoT gateways | ✔ High-performance workstations, industrial servers |
LPDDR5X builds on the strong foundation of LPDDR5 but introduces key enhancements that make it better suited for next-generation industrial workloads.
Processors, SoCs, and Platforms with LPDDR5X Support
- NVIDIA Jetson Thor and Orin Series
- Jetson Orin Nano, Orin NX, Orin AGXUp to 64GB LPDDR5X
- Designed for edge AI, robotics, and industrial automation
- AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395
- Unified memory architecture with LPDDR5X
- Supports up to 128GB system memory; up to 96GB as dynamic VRAM via VGM
- Ideal for edge AI and industrial embedded systems
- Intel Meteor Lake (14th Gen Core Ultra Series)
- LPDDR5X support up to 8533 MT/s
- Targeted at ultramobile and embedded AI platforms
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Gen 2 / Gen 3
- Up to 8533 MT/s LPDDR5X support
- MediaTek Dimensity 9200 / 9300
- LPDDR5X at high bandwidth for mobile and industrial edge devices
- Rockchip RK3588
- LPDDR5X support on select configurations
- Used in industrial SBCs and AI vision systems
- NXP i.MX 93 and i.MX 95 Series
- LPDDR5X support in low-power industrial and automotive applications
- Apple M2 / M3 Series (Unified Memory Architecture)
- LPDDR5X used in high-performance, power-efficient devices
Products with LPDDR5X Support
Why LPDDR5X is the Future of Industrial Memory
With increased speed, reduced power usage, compact design, and AI-readiness, LPDDR5X is poised to become a standard in industrial and embedded computing. As manufacturers push toward smarter, smaller, and more energy-efficient systems, the adoption of LPDDR5X memory will play a crucial role in enabling the next generation of industrial technologies.
AAEON de next-RAP8 with LPDDR5X Support
A prime example of LPDDR5X entering the industrial computing market is the AAEON de next-RAP8 — a compact, high-performance 1.8″ single board computer built around Intel® 13th Gen Core™ i3/i5/i7 processors. This is the first SBC on our website to support for LPDDR5X memory, offering a leap in both speed and efficiency over previous-generation boards.
Why It Stands Out:
- Supports LPDDR5X memory up to 16GB, enabling faster data processing with lower power draw
- Ultra-compact 1.8″ form factor, perfect for space-constrained industrial environments
- Built on 13th Gen Intel architecture, providing advanced performance for edge AI, industrial automation, and IoT
- Ideal for real-time applications where size, speed, and reliability are critical
The de next-RAP8 showcases how LPDDR5X is no longer limited to mobile devices — it’s now powering next-gen industrial SBCs, enabling smarter, faster, and more efficient embedded systems.
Ready to Try LPDDR5X in Your Next Project?
Contact our team to learn more about the AAEON de next-RAP8 or explore other LPDDR5X-compatible solutions for your industrial application.
📞 Call us today on 01489 780144 or 📧 Or email sales@bvmltd.co.uk
Let’s find the right solution for your next project.
We like to make life easier ….
BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems. From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. If you cant find an off the shelf product that meets your specific requirements speak with our in house design team who can customize an existing product or design a new product from start to finish.
You can call us on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team, E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk or Use our contact form here