A few days ago, South Korean semiconductor company SK Hynix announced the launch of the world’s first DDR5 DRAM module. From the outset, it has worked closely with Intel through JEDEC standardization to develop next-generation DRAM specifications and technologies that will ensure DDR5 meets its performance goals and is easily adopted by mutual customers. SK hynix said its DDR5 DRAM is “optimized for big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as the next-generation standard for DRAM”. Other key players around the world are also using SK hynix labs, system testing and emulation facilities to prepare for the introduction of new high-speed high-density DRAMs.
Ahead of the above announcement, SK hynix has published a series of DDR5 stories outlining its plans. It is worth noting that the product specifications actually launched by SK hynix:
The transfer rate is 4,800~5,600Mbps
Operating voltage is 1.1V
Reduce power consumption and operating costs
With TSV, up to 256GB modules can be supported
SK Hynix says its DDR5 DRAM can transfer the equivalent of nine FHD movies (5GB each) in one second, citing transfer speeds using public or garden reference points. In addition, its power consumption is 20% lower than that of DDR4 DRAM. Keep in mind that the JEDEC published specification states a maximum standard data rate of 6,400Mbps (up to 8,400Mbps), but expect slower launch speeds for the first products.
SK Hynix detailed the reliability of the new product, saying that its DDR5 chip has error correction code (ECC) inside, so the chip itself can correct even 1-bit level errors. To increase device density, SK hynix added that its DDR5 also uses through-silicon (TSV) technology.
Industry analysts believe that DDR5 will start to proliferate in 2021, taking a 10% share of the global market by 2022 and increasing to 43% by 2024.
Currently, SK Hynix is the second largest DRAM producer in the world with a market share of 30%. According to the latest data from TrendForce, Samsung is the largest DRAM maker.
SK hynix’s partner for next-generation DRAM
SK hynix’s DDR5 targets the fast-growing high-priced server market. DDR5 DRAM is the next-generation DRAM standard for synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) and is optimized for big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. With higher performance, faster data transfer and lower power consumption, DDR5 is expected to become the mainstream memory standard. The DDR5 standard has yet to become a reality, as CPU makers Intel and AMD have yet to announce support, but SK hynix said it has worked closely with CPU makers, especially US chip giant Intel.
Given that Intel has about 95 percent of the server CPU market share, the partnership with the US chipmaker suggests that SK hynix’s DDR5 DRAM products are expected to see strong sales once new server CPUs that support DDR5 are released.
Since announcing the development of the industry’s first 16 Gb DDR5 DRAM in November 2018, SK hynix has provided sample products to key partners, including Intel, and has completed the testing and validation process. SK hynix said: “The company has provided sample products to key partners including Intel, and has completed various tests and verifications for its functionality and compatibility. Once the DDR5 market becomes active, this will enable SK Hynix is able to provide products to its customers”.
Oh Jong-hoon, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of SK hynix, said, “As SK hynix launches the world’s first DDR5 DRAM, the company will lead the future technology trends in the global DRAM market. SK hynix will focus on the fast-growing high-end server market. , solidifying its position as the leader in server DRAM.”
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