What are DDR3L and DDR4?
DDR3L and DDR4 are common types of DRAM used in embedded systems. DDR3L is a low-voltage version of DDR3, offering good performance with lower power consumption. DDR4 is the newer generation, providing higher speeds and better efficiency. Both are essential for fast, reliable memory access in modern applications.
Current memory market challenges
The global memory market is facing major challenges: demand is rising due to 5G, AI, automotive, and cloud sectors, and manufacturers shift from LPDDR4 and DDR4 to LPDDR5/DDR5 to sustain the increasing performance level needed in the consumer and servers’ markets.
This move puts the LPDDR4/DDR4 market under pressure, causing prices to triple and lead times to double since early 2025.
For developers, this means higher costs, supply uncertainty, and potential project delays.
ST’s solution: multi-memory support with STM32MP2
ST’s STM32MP2 series supports DDR3L memory alongside LPDDR4 and DDR4. This multi-memory compatibility provides critical advantages:
- Cost savings: DDR3L remains more affordable and available, helping reduce BOM costs during this tight market.
- Minimal performance trade-off: DDR3L runs up to 1066 MHz on STM32MP25/23 vs. 1200 MHz for DDR4, so the throughput impact is limited and negligible for various applications.
- Supply chain stability: using DDR3L mitigates the risks of price spikes and long lead times.
Benefits for developers
By supporting DDR3L, STM32MP2 helps you:
- Maintain competitive pricing,
- Secure production volumes,
- Deliver high-performance applications despite market volatility.
STM32MP2’s flexible memory support is a strategic advantage in today’s tight memory market. It empowers developers to optimize costs, ensure supply continuity, and adapt designs easily.
Additional resources
First published on Nov 24, 2025
