Chinese CXMT has started mass production of fifth-generation DRAM

• CXMT has started mass production of fifth-generation DRAM.
• The technology reduces the distance between cells to 11.95 nm.
• The new LPDDR5X chips provide 50% more memory.
• The platform increases the yield of chips from wafers by at least 50%.

The Chinese semiconductor manufacturer CXMT has officially announced the start of mass production of fifth-generation DRAM chips. According to the company, this event paves the way for creating more competitive solutions in the RAM segment, which is traditionally dominated by Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron.

The new technological platform is focused on increasing memory cell density, reducing energy consumption, and lowering production costs. According to CXMT representatives, such characteristics will allow offering electronics manufacturers an alternative source of chips for smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices.

Technical Features

The company emphasized that by using the method of self-leveling quadruple lithographic patterning, it was possible to reduce the distance between the key elements of the memory cell to 11.95 nm. This allows for more bits to be placed on a single chip and increases the number of finished chips obtained from a single silicon wafer.

CXMT Vice President Luo Xiaodun noted that the company's current technological capabilities 'are on par with the most advanced processes used in the industry for mass production.' According to him, the new platform is fully ready for serial production and meets the requirements of modern mobile devices.

As part of the first series, CXMT introduced two 24-gigabit LPDDR5X chips manufactured using a new technology. According to the manufacturer, each of these chips stores 50% more data compared to previous counterparts while maintaining low power consumption. Both models are already in mass production and are offered in two variants adapted for different types of devices.

In addition, the company stated that the new platform allows for at least 50% more wafers from a single silicon wafer compared to the previous fourth generation. This figure reflects the potential output of finished chips before accounting for defects and does not guarantee the final percentage of tested products.

The launch of mass production of fifth-generation DRAM occurs in the context of China's extensive strategy to strengthen its own semiconductor industry. Following the introduction of Western export restrictions on advanced chips, Chinese companies have accelerated the development of their own technological solutions, aiming to reduce dependence on imported supplies.

If the new CXMT chips can indeed offer competitive prices and specifications, they could become an important additional source of memory for global smartphone manufacturers and other electronic devices. This, in turn, could alleviate the current supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.

Thus, the launch of mass production of fifth-generation DRAM represents a significant step in the development of the Chinese semiconductor industry, which could change the balance of power in the global memory market and provide electronics manufacturers with a wider choice of suppliers.

Source: 3DNews