Jaeyun Yi was appointed as the head of SK hynix’s Global Revolutionary Technology Center (RTC), which conducts research and development of next-generation semiconductors, at the end of 2023. As a seasoned semiconductor device expert, he has led the development of emerging memories1 including ReRAM2, MRAM3, PCM4, and ACiM5, which began with pilot studies of DRAMs.
1Emerging memories: Memory technologies based on newer forms or principles compared to traditional memories such as DRAM or NAND flash. Examples of emerging memories include ReRAM, MRAM, PCM, and FeRAM.
2Resistive RAM (ReRAM): A semiconductor memory that stores data by applying voltage to simple-structured devices filled with filaments. With a refined process, it offers a high data storage capacity and low power consumption.
3Magnetic random access memory (MRAM): A semiconductor memory that simultaneously uses charge and spin so that the device’s resistance changes depending on the direction of the spin.
4Phase-change memory (PCM): A semiconductor memory that stores data by using the phase change of a specific material. It has both the advantages of flash memory of not losing information when powered off and DRAMs that have fast processing speeds.
5Analog compute-in-memory (ACiM): A technology for next-generation AI semiconductors that removes barriers between computation and memory.
Yi is credited with helping to lay the foundation for SK hynix’s global competitiveness by establishing the open research platform (ORP)6, that was based on his collaboration experience with domestic and foreign semiconductor companies, universities, and research institutes.
In continuation of the newsroom’s series interviewing the newest members of SK hynix’s executive team, Yi talked about his vision for Global RTC in developing future semiconductor memories and promoting wider collaborations through the ORP.
6Open research platform (ORP): A platform that builds a proactive research and development ecosystem by strengthening partnerships focused on technological innovation. Global RTC operates a Research website (https://research.skhynix.com) to share insights on its ongoing research of future technologies and to actively communicate with various global research organizations.
Yi believes that emerging memories will break through the limitations of conventional memories
Emerging Memories to Create Value That Transcends Generations
“Global RTC aims to present the paradigm for the evolution of the future semiconductor industry,” Yi asserted. “Especially, we are developing emerging memories that will unlock the value of next-generation technologies. In addition, we are continuing to conduct foundational research into advanced computing that will overcome the limitations of existing semiconductor technologies. As a new company executive, I will accelerate the achievements of our future research and development to solidify SK hynix’s technological leadership.”
Accordingly, Yi anticipates emerging memories will set a new paradigm for the AI era. These technologies are gaining attention as advanced solutions that will break through the limitations of conventional memory. As for SK hynix, its current emerging memory solutions include SOM7, spin8, synaptic9 memory, and ACiM.
7Selector-only memory (SOM): A semiconductor consisting of a dual function material (DFM) and two electrodes that can play the role of both memory and selector. A selector is a device that responds to a voltage applied between a word line and a bit line. It allows data to be written or erased on a memory cell based on the difference in voltage across the two ends.
8Spin: A technology that applies the spin motion of electrons to semiconductors, enabling various forms of memory and devices with ultra-high speed and ultra-low power characteristics.
9Synaptic: Devices that can mimic the neural networks of the human brain, solving problems caused by traditional computer structures and enabling highly efficient computing structures.
Yi anticipates Global RTC to lead the future of the semiconductor industry by developing emerging memories
“SOM possesses both the characteristics to quickly process data as seen in DRAMs and the ability to store and erase data like NAND flash,” Yi explained. “It is expected to play an important role in the DRAM and NAND flash markets that are set to see drastic changes. Additionally, Global RTC is developing a variety of future technologies such as the fastest spin device among emerging memories which leverages magnetic properties.”
Yi also mentioned how Global RTC’s research in other emerging memories is progressing rapidly.
“We are conducting research in synaptic memory, an AI semiconductor that mimics the human brain,” Yi said. “In addition, we are researching ACiM which reduces data movement between the memory and processor during AI computation while also cutting energy use. This specific technology has recently attracted great interest from both the academic field and our industry.”
Yi claims Global RTC’s ORP will advance global collaborations
Making SK hynix Shine Brighter in the Global Market
Yi emphasized that SK hynix needs to strengthen its system of collaboration with those from all walks of life to be more competitive in the rapidly changing global market.
“The ORP fostered by Global RTC is an open research platform of collaboration that can address the range of future technology demands,” he noted. “As a result, we are currently discussing possible partnerships with external companies and research organizations.”
He also stressed that “in the future semiconductor market, success will rely on such alliances between various institutions including industry players, academic bodies, and research organizations rather than the efforts of a single company.”
“Furthermore, it is also important to have a new system that promotes open discussions in response to environmental changes,” he added.
Through these efforts, Yi is committed to researching customized semiconductor memories to meet diversified needs in the future. Moreover, he touched on the responsibilities that come with being a leader in the global semiconductor industry.
“As the data generated by technological advancements such as AI and cloud computing continues to grow, there are concerns over the significant power consumption of these innovations,” he said. “Consequently, Global RTC is continuing to research about efficient energy use so we can achieve our goal of net zero.”
Pathfinders of Future Technologies: “It’s All About Taking on Challenges”
“The recent AI fever that started with ChatGPT is also a huge opportunity for the semiconductor memory field,” Yi stated. “At this significant time, we need to be pathfinders of future technologies.”
He noted the importance of developing diverse fundamental technologies10 for the future market just like TSV11, which was applied to HBM and transformed the industry downturn into an opportunity.
10Fundamental technologies: A core technology required to implement changes and improvements to product characteristics.
11Through-silicon via (TSV): A technology that drills thousands of microscopic holes in a DRAM chip and connects the holes in the upper and lower layers of the chip with electrodes that run vertically through them.
Yi points to communication, trust, and care in his organization as the cornerstones of success
“TSV—a vital fundamental technology for HBM—started its research 15 years ago as one of the innovative technologies of the future,” Yi recalled. “Even if it was not developed in anticipation of the AI era, it has become one of the leading AI semiconductor technologies of today. Likewise, we need to work on developing more fundamental technologies for a future that we truly cannot predict.”
Yi also offered his last words of encouragement to SK hynix employees.
“All of our hard work has played a part in transforming the past downturn into an opportunity, but we cannot be satisfied just yet,” he said. “If we are not afraid in the face of new challenges, we can achieve even more than we have in the past. I hope we can make a united effort in taking on challenges by communicating, trusting, and caring for one another.”
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