SK Hynix Achieves 'CXL Superiority' in Next-Gen Interface... First CMS Development Integrating Computing Functions with SKT

Joint Development of Hardware-Software Integrated Platform with SKT
"Optimization of CMS-Equipped Computing System... Shortening R&D Time"
Prototype Unveiled at OCP Global Summit in San Jose, USA

The CMS (Computational Memory Solution) revealed at the OCP Global Summit 2022. (Photo by SK Hynix)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] SK Hynix is accelerating its "super-gap management" in the next-generation interface, Compute Express Link (CXL) memory semiconductors. Following the introduction of the first CXL memory samples in August, the company has succeeded in developing the industry's first Computational Memory Solution (CMS) that integrates computing functions into CXL memory. This component, which will be installed in next-generation server platforms, simultaneously enhances system performance and energy efficiency, attracting significant industry attention.

On the 19th, SK Hynix announced at the 'OCP (Open Compute Project) Global Summit 2022,' held the previous day (local time) in San Jose, USA, that it unveiled both the CMS and the software platform equipped with it. The company expressed confidence that it not only introduced next-generation high-performance computing solutions but also demonstrated its capability to produce 'valuable' products essential to customers.

"The key to broad scalability and 'CXL super-gap' is the integrated solution 'CMS'"

SK Hynix's CXL (Compute Express Link) computational memory solution. (Photo by SK Hynix)

SK Hynix explained that CXL is used not only for memory but also for various solutions such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) accelerators. This allows flexible expansion of memory capacity. Like attaching memory cards such as GPUs or SSDs (Solid State Drives - storage devices), it is characterized by the ability to easily increase system memory capacity. SK Hynix focused on the technical feature that this 'interconnect' technology supports both memory and accelerators and proactively devoted itself to research and development (R&D).

The CMS developed by SK Hynix this time provides machine learning and data filtering computing functions frequently performed by big data analytics applications. It is expected to create synergy with the unique feature of CXL that expands high-capacity memory.

Park Kyung, Vice President in charge of Memory System Research at SK Hynix, said, "CXL is a new opportunity for memory companies," adding, "With this CMS development, by internalizing computing functions, calculations can be performed several times faster than using dozens of CPUs (Central Processing Units)." Park also mentioned, "Considering that this exhibit is a prototype, additional performance improvements are possible," and revealed plans for follow-up R&D, saying, "We are also interested in exploring whether computing functions can be embedded in areas other than big data applications."

"R&D synergy with SK Telecom... Enhancing customer value"

Demonstration of the big data analysis platform applied with SK hynix's CMS. (Photo by SK hynix)

SK Hynix explained that this project was carried out as a synergy R&D task within the group. From the customer's perspective using CMS, R&D was conducted alongside software (SW) development to ensure effective use by customers.

They explained that by jointly performing integrated hardware (HW) and software (SW) architecture design, development, and verification from the initial stages using SK Telecom's proprietary 'Lightning Database (DB),' time was saved. Lightning DB is a large-scale data processing capability developed in-house by SK Telecom. Yang Seungji, head of Vision R&D at SK Telecom, said, "It usually takes quite a long time to prove the utility of CMS from the SW application perspective, but by utilizing SK Telecom's Lightning DB, we were able to significantly reduce the time."

Lee Jongmin, chairman of the AI Subcommittee under the ICT Committee of the SK Supex Council, who oversaw the synergy R&D task, stated, "This case is significant in that it successfully developed leading technology by combining the AI and semiconductor capabilities of SK Hynix and SK Telecom," adding, "We will continue to create synergy among SK affiliates to provide new technology-based value to customers and contribute to the domestic and international ICT R&D ecosystem."

After debuting CMS at the OCP Global Summit, SK Hynix plans to demonstrate it at the SK Tech Summit in Korea early next month. SK Hynix emphasized, "We intend to actively proceed with R&D and collaboration related to CXL memory to provide added value to customers."

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