SK hynix Develops PIM, Next-Generation AI Accelerator

Rhea-AI Summary

On February 16, 2022, SK hynix announced the development of PIM (Processing In Memory), marking a significant advancement in memory chip technology. This next-generation chip offers computational capabilities designed to alleviate data congestion for AI and big data applications. The GDDR6-AiM, the first product using PIM, boasts processing speeds 16 times faster than traditional DRAM. Operating at a reduced voltage of 1.25V, it also lowers power consumption by 80%, aligning with SK hynix's ESG goals. The technology will be showcased at ISSCC 2022 in San Francisco.

Positive

• Development of PIM technology improves memory chip capabilities and addresses AI and big data challenges.
• GDDR6-AiM processes data at 16Gbps with a speed increase of 16 times compared to typical DRAM.
• Lower operating voltage of 1.25V compared to 1.35V enhances energy efficiency.
• Achieves 80% reduction in power consumption, supporting ESG commitments.

Negative

• None.

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SK hynix (or "the Company", www.skhynix.com) announced on February 16 that it has developed PIM*, a next-generation memory chip with computing capabilities.

*PIM(Processing In Memory): A next-generation technology that provides a solution for data congestion issues for AI and big data by adding computational functions to semiconductor memory

 

It has been generally accepted that memory chips store data and CPU or GPU, like human brain, process data. SK hynix, following its challenge to such notion and efforts to pursue innovation in the next-generation smart memory, has found a breakthrough solution with the development of the latest technology.

SK hynix plans to showcase its PIM development at the world's most prestigious semiconductor conference, 2022 ISSCC*, in San Francisco at the end of this month. The  company expects continued efforts for innovation of this technology to bring the memory-centric computing, in which semiconductor memory plays a central role, a step closer to the reality in devices such as smartphones.

*ISSCC: The International Solid-State Circuits Conference will be held virtually from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24 this year with a theme of "Intelligent Silicon for a Sustainable World"

For the first product that adopts the PIM technology, SK hynix has developed a sample of GDDR6-AiM (Accelerator* in memory). The GDDR6-AiM adds computational functions to GDDR6* memory chips, which process data at 16Gbps. A combination of GDDR6-AiM with CPU or GPU instead of a typical DRAM makes certain computation speed 16 times faster. GDDR6-AiM is widely expected to be adopted for machine learning, high-performance computing, and big data computation and storage.

*Accelerator: A special-purpose hardware made using processing and computation chips

*Graphics DDR (GDDR): a standard specification of graphics DRAM defined by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) and specialized for processing graphics more quickly, of which generation shifted from GDDR3, GDDR5 and GDDR5X to GDDR6. It's now one of the most popular memory chips for AI and big data applications

 

GDDR6-AiM runs on 1.25V, lower than the existing product's operating voltage of 1.35V. In addition, the PIM reduces data movement to the CPU and GPU, reducing power consumption by 80%. This, accordingly, helps SK hynix meet its commitment to ESG management by reducing carbon emissions of the devices that adopt this product.

SK hynix also plans to introduce a technology that combines GDDR6-AiM with AI chips in collaboration with SAPEON Inc., an AI chip company that recently spun off from SK Telecom.

"The use of artificial neural network data has increased rapidly recently, requiring computing technology optimized for computational characteristics," said Ryu Soo-jung, CEO of SAPEON Inc. "We aim to maximize efficiency in data calculation, costs, and energy use by combining technologies from the two companies."

Ahn Hyun, Head of Solution Development who spearheaded the development of the latest technology and product, said that "SK hynix will build a new memory solution ecosystem using GDDR6-AiM, which has its own computing function." He added that "the company will continue to evolve its business model and the direction for technology development."

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), flash memory chips ("NAND flash") and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

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SOURCE SK hynix Inc.

FAQ

What is SK hynix's new PIM technology announced on February 16, 2022?

PIM (Processing In Memory) is a next-generation memory chip technology that integrates computing capabilities to address data congestion for AI and big data.

What benefits does the GDDR6-AiM provide?

The GDDR6-AiM chip offers processing speeds 16 times faster than typical DRAM and operates at a lower voltage of 1.25V, reducing power consumption by 80%.

When and where will SK hynix showcase its new technology?

SK hynix plans to showcase its PIM technology at the ISSCC 2022 from February 20 to 24 in San Francisco.

How does the PIM technology align with SK hynix's ESG goals?

The PIM technology reduces power consumption significantly, thus contributing to lower carbon emissions, aligning with SK hynix's commitment to ESG management.