SK hynix Inc., a leading South Korean semiconductor company, unveiled its latest memory chip industry vision focusing on ICT growth. SK hynix’s CEO Lee Seok-Hee delivered a keynote speech at the International Reliability Physics Symposium (IRPS), a conference hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE IRPS is an esteemed technical conference where worldwide scientists and engineers share their newest microelectronics-related research and innovations.
Importance of Memory Tech in ICT’s Future
Amid the pandemic, the digital transformation in the ongoing 4th industrial revolution has rapidly advanced due to ICT-based solution demands. Following the ongoing digitalization, the global DRAM and NAND demand have also increased thanks to new technological advancements. Some of the most notable technologies that use semiconductor memories include AI, 5G, smartphones, self-driving vehicles, and PCs.
Under the theme ‘Memory’s Journey towards the Future Information and Communications Technology World,’ SK hynix presented its current business prospects. In his speech, Lee announced that SK hynix would continue expanding its memory technologies, especially during the growing digital era. Lee also emphasized that semiconductor memory tech is the ICT world’s future since it offers diverse functions and high reliability.
Three Core Values
Moreover, the company plans to improve the semiconductor ecosystem by integrating scaling, social, and smart values into its business developments. For the ‘scaling value,’ SK hynix would address industry and customer needs by supplying upgraded DRAM and NAND tech materials. If the company’s tech improvements succeed, it can offer DRAM processing below 10 nanometers and NAND stacking over 600 layers.
Then, for the ‘social value,’ SK hynix would use its capabilities to solve social concerns, including energy and environmental issues. CEO Lee stated that the memory industry could produce technological solutions to combat increasing environmental concerns. Lastly, for the ‘smart value,’ the companywould prepare and provide smart semiconductor memory technologies for the imminent post-digital-transformation era.
“SK hynix will take the initiative in enhancing the quality of our lives, solving environmental issues, and pursuing the happiness of our employees and stakeholders,” said CEO Lee. “We ask for your interest, support, and hopefully, your participation in pursuing social values and actively responding to the needs of the era with technology.” SK hynix also highlighted the importance of partnership, stating that companies need to join hands to advance the semiconductor industry.
To this end, the chipmaker plans to continuously pursue more collaboration and develop semiconductors that deliver the industry’s highest capacities. Earlier, SK hynix started mass-producing its 18GB LPDDR5 DRAMs, which offer faster processing and better overall performance.
