SK Hynix "Download 11 HD Movies per Second"... World's First DDR5 Launch

Compatibility Verified with Major Partners Including Intel
Up to 1.8x Faster Speed Compared to DDR4

SK Hynix's world-first launched 2nd generation 10-nanometer class (1ynm) DDR5 DRAM

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] SK Hynix has launched the world's first DDR5 DRAM capable of transmitting 11 high-definition movies per second. SK Hynix plans to lead the premium server market by providing high-performance computer solutions that require ultra-high-speed, large-capacity memory for big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

On the 6th, SK Hynix announced that it has completed all tests, including operation and compatibility verification with major partners such as Intel, for DDR5 DRAM. This comes two years after the world’s first development of 16Gb DDR5 in November 2018. With this, SK Hynix is fully prepared to sell products whenever the DDR5 market becomes active.

The transmission speed of the DDR5 launched by SK Hynix has improved up to 1.8 times (4800Mbps~5600Mbps) compared to the previous generation DDR4 (3200Mbps). 5600Mbps is a speed capable of delivering about 9 full HD movies (5GB each) in one second. The operating voltage has been reduced from 1.2V to 1.1V, cutting power consumption by 20%.

A notable feature is the built-in error correction code (ECC) circuit inside the chip, which can autonomously correct 1-bit errors in DRAM cells caused by various factors. Additionally, by applying TSV (Through Silicon Via) technology, it is possible to implement a high-capacity module of 256GB (gigabytes). This technology stacks DRAM chips vertically and creates pillar-shaped pathways that penetrate all layers to transmit commands and data.

SK Hynix expects that the eco-friendly DDR5, which significantly improves reliability while reducing power consumption, will help reduce power usage and operating costs in data centers.

So far, SK Hynix has completed operation verification of DDR5 by jointly operating on-site analysis labs with system-on-chip (SoC) solution providers and conducting mounting tests and various simulations. Compatibility verification among key components that make up the module, such as RCD (Register Clock Driver) and PMIC (Power Management IC), which affect DRAM characteristics, has been closely conducted with global partners.

SK Hynix plans to continue cooperating with SoC solution providers such as Synopsys, Renesas, Montage Technology, and Rambus to foster the DDR5 ecosystem. According to market research firm Omdia, demand for DDR5 DRAM is expected to start in earnest from 2021, expanding to 10% of the total DRAM market in 2022 and 43% in 2024.

Oh Jong-hoon, Vice President in charge of GSM at SK Hynix, emphasized, "JEDEC officially announced the standard specification for the next-generation DRAM, DDR5, last July," adding, "We will focus on the rapidly growing premium server market to solidify our position as a leading server DRAM company."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.