News Highlights
- SK hynix successfully develops LPDDR6 based on latest 1c DRAM process
- Achieves 33% faster speed and 20% improved power efficiency compared with LPDDR5X
- Set to build memory portfolio optimized for on-device AI applications
SK hynix announced Mar. 10 that it has successfully developed a 16Gb LPDDR61 DRAM based on the sixth-generation 10nm-class (1c) process technology.
1LPDDR (Low Power Double Data Rate): A DRAM standard for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, featuring low-voltage operation to minimize power consumption. The LPDDR standard has been developed in the order of LPDDR1, 2, 3, 4, 4X, 5, 5X, and now LPDDR6.
After unveiling the product at CES last January, the company recently completed the world’s first validation of 1c LPDDR6 development.
SK hynix plans to complete preparations for mass production within the first half of the year and begin supplying the product in the second half, expanding its conventional DRAM lineup optimized for AI applications.
1c LPDDR6 is mainly used in mobile products such as smartphones and tablets equipped with on-device AI2.
2On-device AI: A technology that implements AI functions on the device itself, instead of going through computation by a physically separated server. A smart device’s direct collection and computation of information allows fast reactions of the AI performance, while promising an improved customized AI service.
To optimize on-device AI implementation, data processing speed and power efficiency have been improved compared to the existing LPDDR5X product. This product’s data processing speed has been improved by 33% compared to the previous generation, thanks to expanded bandwidth and increased data transmission per unit time. The base operating speed is over 10.7 Gbps (10.7 gigabits per second), exceeding the maximum speed of existing products.
Power is reduced by more than 20% compared to previous generation products by applying sub-channel structure and DVFS3 technology.
3DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling): A power management technology that optimizes power consumption and performance by adjusting voltage and frequency according to the chip’s operating conditions.
The sub-channel structure selectively operates only the necessary data paths, and DVFS technology’s key characteristics are its ability to adjust frequency and voltage depending on the mobile environment. In demanding environments such as high-spec gaming, the device elevates DVFS levels for maximum bandwidth performance, while scaling down frequency and voltage during standard use to reduce power consumption.
With these advancements, SK hynix expects that consumers will benefit from longer battery life and optimized multitasking performance, and plans to prepare for the needs of global mobile customers in line with market demand.
SK hynix remains committed to delivering timely AI memory solutions in collaboration with its customers, providing differentiated value to on-device AI users.
