Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Samsung's 3D DRAM: A Layered Leap into the Future



Hey tech enthusiasts, gather ‘round! Have you heard the latest buzz? According to a report from DIGITIMES Asia, Samsung has just pulled off a jaw-dropping technical breakthrough. They've stacked 3D DRAM to an astonishing 16 layers! That's right, folks, 16 layers of pure tech magic. Let’s dive into what this means, why it's a big deal, and how it's shaking up the tech world.



So, what's all the fuss about? Well, DIGITIMES Asia has revealed that Samsung Electronics has managed to stack next-gen 3D DRAM to 16 layers. To put that into perspective, their closest competitor, Micron, has only achieved 8 layers. Samsung's achievement doubles that! This isn't just a feather in their cap; it's a full-on peacock tail.

Samsung EVP Lee Si-woo shared this earth-shattering news in a recent interview, proudly stating that they’ve reached this milestone. However, it's important to note that this 3D DRAM is currently in the feasibility stage. The goal? To commercialize it by 2030. Yes, it's still a way off, but the future looks bright and stacked.



Let’s talk about the brains behind this breakthrough, Lee Si-woo. Interestingly, Lee was previously a director of DRAM R&D at Micron. He joined Samsung in August 2023 and has since been making waves. His experience and expertise have evidently paid off, as Samsung aims to widen the gap with competitors in 3D DRAM technology.

The 3D DRAM in question uses vertical stacking, increasing the capacity per unit area by three times. This means faster data processing and more storage cells, all while reducing electrical interference. It’s like fitting more tech into less space, making your gadgets smarter, faster, and sleeker.


Now, let’s get a bit techy. The 3D DRAM we've been raving about is known as the vertically stacked cell array transistor (VS-CAT). Unlike traditional DRAM, this bad boy is expected to be manufactured by combining two wafers. Think of it like a tech sandwich, where each layer adds more goodness.

But wait, there’s more! Samsung is also diving into vertical channel transistor (VCT) style 3D DRAM. Industry insiders call this 4F SQUARE, which features a vertically oriented transistor structure. If Samsung nails this, the die area could shrink to around 30% of its original size. Imagine packing more punch into an even smaller space!

Lee Si-woo hinted that Samsung will unveil 4F SQUARE prototypes by 2025. Meanwhile, SK Hynix and Micron are sticking to their guns, developing 3D technology with a stacked cell style. It’s like a tech race, and Samsung is sprinting ahead.


Samsung isn’t just stopping at 3D DRAM. They’re exploring the possibility of applying Backside Power Delivery Network (BSPDN) technology to DRAM for the first time. BSPDN is a highly challenging technology, but Samsung plans to introduce it into the 2nm process by 2025. It’s like adding a turbocharger to an already powerful engine.

In a nutshell, Samsung's 16-layer 3D DRAM breakthrough is a game-changer. According to DIGITIMES Asia, this advancement could revolutionize the tech landscape, setting a new benchmark for DRAM technology. So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground. The future of tech is here, and it's looking layered and lovely.

That’s all for now, folks. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on this exciting development. What do you think Samsung’s next move will be? Drop a comment below!

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