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Samsung has reportedly set its sights on reworking its 6th-generation 1c DRAM, aiming to boost yield rates and outpace its forthcoming HBM4 technology.
The Critical Role of Samsung’s 1c DRAM in Advancing Its HBM4 Technology and Memory Business Success
In an effort to secure the success of its HBM4 process, Samsung is seriously considering an overhaul of its 1c DRAM process. ZDNet Korea reports that since the second half of 2024, Samsung has been deliberating on designs for its state-of-the-art DRAM processes. The company has now redesigned its high-end 1c DRAM to ensure smooth adoption of its upcoming HBM processes by the industry. This move is particularly significant as it looks to avoid the hurdles that hampered the integration of HBM3 derivatives by major players like NVIDIA.
The report highlights that Samsung’s advanced DRAM process struggled to hit expected yield rates, which range from 60% to 70%. This shortfall prevented the company from advancing to the mass production phase. The major challenge lies in the size of the 1c DRAM chip. Initially, Samsung focused on reducing the chip size to increase production volume. However, this approach sacrificed process stability, leading to lower yield rates.
"Samsung Electronics has changed the design of its 1c DRAM to increase its chip size and is focusing on improving yields, targeting the middle of this year. It appears that they are focused on stable mass production of next-generation memory even if it costs more."
- ZDNet Korea
The function of Samsung’s 1c DRAM process is pivotal for the development of the company’s HBM4 products. With rivals like SK Hynix and Micron having already fine-tuned their designs, Samsung is feeling the pressure. After the turbulent HBM3 episode, it’s crucial for Samsung to meet industry expectations with the 1c DRAM process.
As it stands, there’s still some uncertainty regarding the outcome of Samsung’s 6th-generation DRAM process. Nonetheless, there are claims that we could see advancements in the coming months, potentially setting the HBM4 process on a path towards mass production by the end of the year.
