Samsung is reportedly set to overhaul its 6th-generation 1c DRAM design to boost yield rates, hoping to secure a competitive advantage over its upcoming HBM4 process.
The Importance of Samsung’s 1c DRAM in Their HBM4 Process and Memory Business Success
Samsung, the tech behemoth from South Korea, is re-evaluating its 1c DRAM process as it prepares for the potential success of its HBM4 technology. As outlined in a report from ZDNet Korea, Samsung has been exploring designs for its state-of-the-art DRAM processes since the latter half of 2024. The company has now reworked its high-performance 1c DRAM to pave the way for smoother adoption of its forthcoming HBM processes. This could prevent the setbacks akin to those faced by HBM3 derivatives, which encountered significant challenges in integration, notably with companies like NVIDIA.
According to the report, Samsung’s cutting-edge DRAM process fell short of the desired yield rates, pegged between 60% and 70%. This stumbling block has delayed the transition to mass production. The primary issue seems to be the physical dimensions of the 1c DRAM chip. Samsung initially prioritized downsizing these chips to ramp up production, but this inadvertently compromised process stability, leading to unsatisfactory yield rates.
ZDNet Korea highlights: "Samsung Electronics has modified its 1c DRAM design to enlarge the chip size and is concentrating on yield improvements, with a target set for the middle of this year. The company’s current focus is on achieving stable next-generation memory mass production, even if it incurs higher costs."
The role of Samsung’s 1c DRAM process is pivotal in determining the outcome of their HBM4 products. With rivals like SK Hynix and Micron having already honed their designs, Samsung is working against the clock. Especially in light of its shaky track record, made worse by the HBM3 debacle, Samsung must succeed in aligning its 1c DRAM process with industry benchmarks.
As it stands, there’s still a question mark over the fate of Samsung’s 6th-generation DRAM process. However, it is suggested that we might witness significant progress in the months to come. This development could potentially align Samsung’s HBM4 process for mass production, possibly by the year’s end.
