SK hynix Starts Mass Production of 1anm DRAM Using EUV Equipment

Rhea-AI Summary

SK hynix has commenced mass production of its 8 Gb LPDDR4 mobile DRAM utilizing 1anm technology, based on advanced 10nm processes. This marks the company's first full-scale adoption of EUV equipment, enhancing productivity by 25% compared to 1znm nodes. The new DRAM operates at a record speed of 4266Mbps while reducing power consumption by 20%, aligning with SK hynix's ESG commitments. The technology will also be applied to DDR5 products starting from early 2022, solidifying SK hynix's leadership in the semiconductor sector.

Positive

• Mass production of 8 Gb LPDDR4 DRAM using advanced 1anm technology.
• 25% increase in productivity expected compared to 1znm node.
• Achieves fastest transfer rate of 4266Mbps in LPDDR4 specification.
• 20% reduction in power consumption aligns with ESG initiatives.

Negative

• None.

SEOUL, South Korea, July 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SK hynix Inc. (or "the Company", www.skhynix.com) announced that it has started this month mass production of the 8 Gigabit (Gb) *LPDDR4 mobile DRAM based on the 1anm, which is the fourth generation of the 10nm process technology.

* LPDDR4 (Low Power Double Data Rate 4): Low power DRAM for mobile devices. DDR refers to DRAM with the specifications that JEDEC standardized and the generation has advanced from one to four.

As the semiconductor industry classifies the 10nm DRAM products, naming them after the alphabets, the 1a technology is the fourth generation, following the first three generations of the 1x, 1y, and 1z. SK hynix plans to provide the latest mobile DRAM products to smartphone manufacturers from the second half of 2021.

This is the first time that SK hynix adopted the *EUV equipment for mass production after proving the stability of the cutting edge lithography technology through partial adoption for its 1ynm DRAM production.

* EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet): lithography technology that uses extreme ultraviolet

As technology migration continues to ultra-micro levels, an increasing number of semiconductor companies are adopting the EUV equipment for the photo process where circuit patterns are drawn on the wafer surfaces. Industry experts believe that a semiconductor company's leadership in technology will depend on how it can fully take advantage of the EUV equipment. SK hynix plans to use the EUV technology for production of all its 1anm DRAM products going forward as it has proved the stability of the process.

SK hynix expects the new technology to bring an improvement in productivity, and further boost cost competitiveness. The company expects the 1anm technology to lead to a 25% increase in the number of DRAM chips produced from the same size of a wafer, compared with the previous 1znm node. SK hynix anticipates that the 1anm DRAM will also likely help alleviate the supply and demand conditions of the global markets following an increase in DRAM demand globally.

The new product stably runs 4266Mbps, the fastest transfer rate in a standard LPDDR4 mobile DRAM specification, and has reduced power consumption by 20%. It is a meaningful accomplishment for SK hynix as it aims to reduce carbon dioxide emission as part of its commitment to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) management.

SK hynix will apply its 1anm technology to its DDR5 products, the world's first next-generation DRAM launched in October 2020, from early next year.

Cho Youngmann, Vice President at SK hynix, said that "With improved productivity and cost competitiveness, the latest 1anm DRAM will not only help secure high profitability, but also solidify SK hynix's status as a leading technology company with early adoption of the EUV lithography technology for mass production."

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Icheon, South 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 the significance of SK hynix starting mass production of 1anm DRAM?

The mass production of 1anm DRAM signifies technological advancement, with a 25% increase in productivity and a commitment to sustainability through reduced power consumption.

When did SK hynix begin mass production of the 1anm DRAM?

SK hynix began mass production of the 1anm DRAM in July 2021.

What technology does SK hynix use for the 1anm DRAM?

SK hynix utilizes EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography technology for the production of its 1anm DRAM.

How does the new 1anm DRAM improve performance?

The 1anm DRAM offers a transfer rate of 4266Mbps and reduces power consumption by 20%, enhancing overall performance.

When will SK hynix apply the 1anm technology to DDR5 products?

SK hynix plans to apply the 1anm technology to its DDR5 products starting in early 2022.