Samsung Electronics Unveils Three PMICs, the 'Heart of Electronic Devices'... Targeting System Semiconductors for 2030

Directly Mounted on DDR 5 Module Substrate... Commercialization in 1Q 2022
Enhancing DRAM Performance While Minimizing Power
Plan to Capture Server DRAM PMIC Market
Contributing to Expansion of System Semiconductor Market Share

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] On the 18th, Samsung Electronics unveiled three new power management integrated circuit (PMIC) products that enhance the performance of next-generation DRAM modules while reducing power consumption. Samsung plans to secure an early lead in the blue ocean market of 'server DRAM PMICs' by strengthening its core lineup to achieve the 'System Semiconductor 2030 Strategy.' PMICs are semiconductors that supply power to key chips performing major functions such as memory semiconductors. They distribute and control the power needed by each part of electronic devices, earning them the nickname 'the heart of electronic devices.'

Samsung Electronics DDR5 DRAM Module Power Management Semiconductor / Photo by Samsung Electronics

◆ Three PMICs Enhance DRAM Performance and Minimize Power Consumption = The three PMICs (S2FPD01, S2FPD02, S2FPC01) newly unveiled by Samsung Electronics are system semiconductors embedded in the latest DDR5 DRAM modules set to be launched soon. This is Samsung's first time revealing PMICs for DRAM, with commercialization expected from the first quarter of 2022.

The key differentiator of the new products is that while PMICs were previously mounted on external substrates, starting with the latest DDR5 DRAM, they are directly embedded on the DRAM module substrate. Because the PMIC and DRAM are located on a single module, power can be supplied more stably and quickly, improving memory performance while minimizing malfunctions.

Additionally, Samsung applied its proprietary 'asynchronous 2-phase voltage drop control circuit' technology, which rapidly detects voltage changes in real time and maintains a constant output voltage. This enables stable support for ultra-high-speed DDR5 DRAM data read and write speeds, and reduces the use of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) previously required to maintain constant voltage, thereby enhancing module design convenience.

The two models for enterprise servers (S2FPD01, S2FPD02) use a proprietary design method to improve power efficiency up to 91%, exceeding industry standards, while the single client model applies a low-power 90nm process to reduce chip area.

Power Management Semiconductor for Samsung Electronics DDR5 DRAM Module / Photo by Samsung Electronics

◆ Samsung’s ‘System Semiconductor 2030’ Strategy to Lead Server DRAM PMIC Market = Recently, the government selected 'power semiconductors' as a key sector in the Digital New Deal Green policy. According to market research firm Omdia, the power semiconductor market is expected to surpass the mobile DRAM market by 2024. From Samsung’s perspective, the PMIC market, a type of power semiconductor, is an essential market that cannot be missed, and among these, the server DRAM PMIC market is considered crucial for increasing Samsung Electronics’ system semiconductor sales.

The next-generation DDR5 modules are expected to quickly become the dominant choice in the server DRAM market upon commercialization in 2022. At the same time, competition in the PMIC market for new DRAM modules is intensifying. Since server companies replace DRAM modules every three years, early market entry is very important. Samsung Electronics plans to verify the performance and stability of the new products before launch through collaboration with global server manufacturers and secure customers.

Jangho Cho, Executive Director of the System LSI Business Division Marketing Team, said, "We applied the design technology and know-how accumulated from mobile and display PMICs to DDR5 DRAM modules used in data centers, enterprise servers, and PCs," adding, "We will continue to expand our DRAM PMIC lineup and strengthen our technological leadership."

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