A smart memory includes a memory array and one or more memory-intensive additional
functions, all packaged in a standard memory package that has substantially the
same fit and form as a standard integrated-circuit memory. One type of smart memory
chip is a multi-media RAM (MMRAM) chip that provides on a single integrated-circuit
chip a memory array and a compressor/decompressor (CODEC) section where connections
between the memory array section and the CODEC section are on the single integrated-circuit
die. The smart memory eliminates the need for additional special function integrated-circuit
packages and significantly reduces the clock rate and the power consumption of
a baseband chip in a personal communication device.
