Samsung Reportedly Revamping 1c DRAM Process for Enhanced Yield Rates; Impact on HBM4 Development Expected

Samsung is reportedly gearing up to redesign its 6th-generation 1c DRAM in an effort to boost yield rates and outshine its approaching HBM4 process.

Why Samsung’s 1c DRAM Chip Matters for Its HBM4 Process and Memory Business Success

The Korean tech behemoth is contemplating an overhaul of its 1c DRAM process, which is believed to be pivotal for the triumph of its HBM4 process. ZDNet Korea’s recent report highlights how Samsung has been exploring designs for its advanced DRAM processes since the latter half of 2024. Now, they’ve given their high-end 1c DRAM a fresh design to ensure the smooth adoption of their upcoming HBM processes, unlike the HBM3 variants that hit major roadblocks with industry integration from big names like NVIDIA.

The report sheds light on how Samsung’s cutting-edge DRAM process struggled to hit target yield rates, which hovered between 60% and 70%. This hiccup prevented the Korean company from moving forward to full-scale production. The crux of the issue, it seems, is the size of the 1c DRAM chip. Initially, Samsung zeroed in on shrinking the chip size to ramp up production volumes, but this approach compromised process stability, leading to less-than-desirable yield rates.

According to ZDNet Korea, Samsung Electronics has opted to tweak the design of its 1c DRAM to beef up the chip size. The aim is to elevate yield rates, with a focus on reaching this goal by midyear. The strategy appears to prioritize a stable mass production of next-gen memory, even if this means incurring higher costs.

Samsung’s handling of the 1c DRAM process is crucial for the outcome of its HBM4 products. With rivals like SK Hynix and Micron already fine-tuning their own designs, Samsung is under the gun. Its reputation has suffered, particularly following the HBM3 mishap, so it’s imperative for Samsung to align its 1c DRAM process with industry standards.

As it stands, there’s a shroud of uncertainty about the fate of Samsung’s 6th-generation DRAM process. However, sources suggest developments could emerge in the coming months that might steer Samsung’s HBM4 process toward mass production, potentially slated for the end of the year.