SK hynix Unveils 321-Layer NAND Flash

Seoul, South Korea - SK Hynix announced the development of 321-layer 4D NAND flash memory, an industry first, at the Flash Memory Summit (FMS) 2023 in Santa Clara.

Why It Matters:

The development of this new NAND technology could impact multiple industries by paving the way for higher storage capacities and more efficient manufacturing processes.

In particular, it could impact sectors that require high-performance computing, such as the AI market.

The Key Points

• 321-Layer Development: SK Hynix introduced the 321-layer 1Tb TLC1 4D NAND flash, an evolution of the company's previously released 238-layer NAND. The company aims to achieve mass production by the first half of 2025.
  
• Productivity Improvement: The new 321-layer technology represents a 59% productivity improvement over 238-layer 512Gb NAND due to technological advancements allowing more cells to be stacked on a single die.
  
• Next-Generation Solutions: Besides the new NAND, SK Hynix introduced next-generation solutions such as enterprise SSD with PCIe Gen5 interface and UFS 4.0 optimized for AI requirements.
  
• Commitment to Industry Trends: SK Hynix has also started the development of PCIe Gen6 and UFS 5.0, marking a continued focus on high-performance technologies.

The Big Picture

SK Hynix's unveiling of the 321-layer 4D NAND flash memory indicates a continuation of its efforts in the NAND flash industry.

The company's achievement builds on its previous success with 238-layer NAND.

It reflects a response to the growing demand for high-capacity memory products in a world increasingly dependent on data-intensive applications.

The introduction of this technology coincides with the burgeoning growth of the AI market, where platforms such as ChatGPT are driving the need for faster and higher-capacity memory products.

Jungdal Choi, Head of NAND Development at SK hynix, stated that the company would strive to meet the demands of the AI era with high performance and capacity NAND.

This development by SK hynix not only represents an evolution in the company's product line but may also set a precedent in the industry, potentially influencing consumer electronics and AI applications.