In the world of memory, everyone knows the "Big Three" (Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron). But for consumer electronics, routers, and budget-friendly laptops, Nanya Technology is a massive player.
The NT5AD256M16E4-JR is one of Nanya's most popular DDR4 chips.
It is a 4 Gigabit (512MB) component organized in a x16 architecture running at a blazing 3200 Mbps. If you are opening up a Chromebook, a 4K TV box, or an industrial control board, you are likely to find this chip doing the heavy lifting.
This guide decodes the specs and explains why this part is a go-to for cost-sensitive, high-performance designs.
Table of Contents
- 1. Decoding the Part Number
- 2. Technical Specifications: Speed & Density
- 3. Architecture: Why x16?
- 4. Sourcing & Replacements
- 5. Conclusion
1. Decoding the Part Number
Nanya part numbers follow a strict logic. Here is the breakdown for NT5AD256M16E4-JR:
| Code Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| NT | Manufacturer | Nanya Technology. |
| 5 | Type | DDR4 SDRAM. |
| AD | Voltage | 1.2V. (Standard DDR4 Voltage). |
| 256M16 | Org | 256M x 16. (Depth x Width). |
| E4 | Revision | Die Rev E / Generation 4. |
| JR | Speed | DDR4-3200. (Timing 22-22-22). |
Calculating Capacity: $$256 \text{ Meg} \times 16 \text{ bits} = 4096 \text{ Megabits} = \mathbf{4 \text{ Gigabits (4Gb)}}$$ In Byte terms: 512 Megabytes (512MB) per chip.
2. Technical Specifications: Speed & Density
Speed Grade: -JR (3200)
The JR suffix is significant. It represents DDR4-3200AA (CL22).
- Bandwidth: 25.6 GB/s (per 64-bit channel).
- Application: This is the standard speed for modern CPUs (Intel 11th Gen+, AMD Ryzen 3000+). Using a slower chip (e.g., -HR 2666) might bottleneck the system.
Density: 4Gb
While 8Gb and 16Gb chips are common in high-end PCs, 4Gb remains the sweet spot for embedded systems. It allows designers to place just one or two chips to achieve 512MB or 1GB of total system RAM, which is plenty for Linux-based IoT devices.
3. Architecture: Why x16?
The "16" in 256M16 stands for x16 data width.
- Space Saving: A standard processor requires a 32-bit or 64-bit data bus.
- Using x8 chips: You need 8 chips for a 64-bit bus.
- Using x16 chips (This Part): You only need 4 chips.
- PCB Layout: Fewer chips mean fewer traces on the motherboard, cheaper manufacturing, and smaller device size. This is why the NT5AD256M16E4 is found in compact devices like Smart Speakers and Ultrabooks.
- Hardware: It uses the 96-ball FBGA package (standard for x16), not the 78-ball package used for x8 chips.
4. Sourcing & Replacements
If you are repairing a board and cannot find the exact Nanya part, you can often cross-reference it with major competitors.
Compatible Equivalents (Check Datasheets!):
- Samsung: K4A4G165WE-BCTD (Check speed grade match).
- SK Hynix: H5AN4G6NAFR-XNC.
- Micron: MT40A256M16.
Buying Tip: Nanya memory is often more available in the spot market and has a lower price point than Micron/Samsung, making it an excellent choice for keeping BOM costs down without sacrificing JEDEC compatibility.
5. Conclusion
The Nanya NT5AD256M16E4-JR is a workhorse component. It brings the high speed of DDR4-3200 to the compact, cost-effective world of x16 embedded memory. Whether you are designing a new IoT gadget or fixing a budget laptop, this chip delivers the performance you need at a price that makes sense.
Sourcing Nanya Memory Components Looking for reliable stock of Nanya DRAM? Visit Aichiplink.com to search for NT5AD256M16E4-JR and other embedded memory solutions.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
Empowered by AI, Linked to the Future. Get started on AIChipLink.com and submit your RFQ online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the capacity of NT5AD256M16E4-JR?
The NT5AD256M16E4-JR is a 4Gb DDR4 SDRAM chip, equivalent to 512MB per device.
2. What speed does NT5AD256M16E4-JR support?
This chip supports DDR4-3200 (3200 Mbps) with typical timing CL22, suitable for modern embedded and consumer systems.
3. What does x16 architecture mean in this DDR4 chip?
The x16 architecture means a 16-bit data width, allowing fewer chips to build 32-bit or 64-bit memory buses and saving PCB space.
4. What voltage does NT5AD256M16E4-JR operate at?
It operates at the standard DDR4 voltage of 1.2V, fully compliant with JEDEC DDR4 specifications.
5. Can NT5AD256M16E4-JR be replaced with other brands?
Yes. It can often be replaced with Samsung, SK Hynix, or Micron 4Gb x16 DDR4 chips with matching speed grade and package.
