Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC/JESD)
JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) is a key standards development organization focused on creating shared technology standards for the semiconductor and electronics industries. Its widely adopted standards promote product interoperability, reduce consumer confusion, and support consistency across manufacturers and markets.
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What Are JEDEC Standards?
Established in 1958, the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) is a global industry group dedicated to the development of open standards for microelectronics. Initially consisting of just two councils for tubes and semiconductors, JEDEC’s role was primarily assigning part numbers to different devices. However, as time passed, JEDEC’s responsibilities expanded to encompass the development of testing methods and product standards, playing a pivotal role in shaping the growth of the semiconductor industry.
Before the establishment of JEDEC standards, the semiconductor industry lacked competition. However, this began to change with the formation of more committees and the subsequent increase in membership. Notably, it was the communications companies and the military that spearheaded the development of industry standards during the 1970s.
The introduction of personal computers in 1981 brought about a shift in demands once again. The mass market for semiconductors experienced significant growth alongside the widespread use of PCs. Recognizing the need to adapt, JEDEC took the initiative to develop open standards for dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) components, memory modules, as well as packaging and manufacturing processes.
The organization focuses on key standards such as flash memory and mobile memory. Additionally, the group has played a pivotal role in establishing open standards for computer memory. It has also contributed to the development of the widely recognized electrostatic discharge symbol used in the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, JEDEC has published a comprehensive manual of common definitions that are widely adopted in the semiconductor industry.
JEDEC comprises 50 committees and subcommittees dedicated to various aspects of microelectronic technologies. These committees propose and establish open standards, regularly releasing updates as needed. Once a committee approves a standard, it undergoes a voting process by the board of directors. Each JEDEC member company holds one vote on proposals before meetings take place.
