Memory vendor unveils plans to double production of double data rate 2
The much-heralded take off of double data rate 2(DDR2) memory finally looks set to commence following Samsung’s announcement of plans to double production of the faster DRam format.
The world’s largest memory maker has revealed that it has started producing memory using a new 80 nanometre (nm) process, compared with the older 90nm.
The 80nm process means Samsung can reduce the die size of the chip by using a 3D transistor layout that boosts refresh rate. Die size is measured in nanometres – the smaller the size, the more chips Samsung can fit on to a single silicon wafer. More chips per wafer will bring down the cost of making DDR2 memory, which should be passed on to PC builders. Samsung said the shift to the new process will boost its 512MB DDR2 output by 50 per cent.
Tom Trill, DRam marketing director at Samsung said: “With the demand for DDR2 at its highest level since it made its market debut in 2004, our 80nm technology gives us the ability to more efficiently support the increased demand that is expected in the DDR2 marketplace this year.”
DDR2 was expected to take off in 2005, but there was a lack of demand from chip and motherboard manufacturers, as well as consumers. Demand rose in the last quarter of 2005, and things have accelerated even further in recent months.
Brigitte Haas, company representative for Kingston Technology Europe, said: “DDR2 memory uptake in 2005 was slow, but throughout the beginning of this year, demand has really started to pick up. OEMs are now switching over heavily to DDR2. This has made supplies tight, which has had an impact on most PC builders.
“AMD’s new DDR2 motherboards are starting to arrive too, which will also help drive demand.”
Samsung’s announcement comes hot on the heels of its plans to invest over $1.1bn to expand and upgrade its memory-chip lines. Almost two thirds of the investment will go into its DRam and Flash memory lines, while the rest will fund the upgrade of an existing DRam production facility. Samsung said it wanted to boost capacity as it expected demand to grow fast during 2006.
The much-heralded take off of double data rate 2(DDR2) memory finally looks set to commence following Samsung’s announcement of plans to double production of the faster DRam format.
The world’s largest memory maker has revealed that it has started producing memory using a new 80 nanometre (nm) process, compared with the older 90nm.
The 80nm process means Samsung can reduce the die size of the chip by using a 3D transistor layout that boosts refresh rate. Die size is measured in nanometres – the smaller the size, the more chips Samsung can fit on to a single silicon wafer. More chips per wafer will bring down the cost of making DDR2 memory, which should be passed on to PC builders. Samsung said the shift to the new process will boost its 512MB DDR2 output by 50 per cent.
Tom Trill, DRam marketing director at Samsung said: “With the demand for DDR2 at its highest level since it made its market debut in 2004, our 80nm technology gives us the ability to more efficiently support the increased demand that is expected in the DDR2 marketplace this year.”
DDR2 was expected to take off in 2005, but there was a lack of demand from chip and motherboard manufacturers, as well as consumers. Demand rose in the last quarter of 2005, and things have accelerated even further in recent months.
Brigitte Haas, company representative for Kingston Technology Europe, said: “DDR2 memory uptake in 2005 was slow, but throughout the beginning of this year, demand has really started to pick up. OEMs are now switching over heavily to DDR2. This has made supplies tight, which has had an impact on most PC builders.
“AMD’s new DDR2 motherboards are starting to arrive too, which will also help drive demand.”
Samsung’s announcement comes hot on the heels of its plans to invest over $1.1bn to expand and upgrade its memory-chip lines. Almost two thirds of the investment will go into its DRam and Flash memory lines, while the rest will fund the upgrade of an existing DRam production facility. Samsung said it wanted to boost capacity as it expected demand to grow fast during 2006.
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