Success of Nano-Memory Commercialization

Samsung Electronics succeeded in developing D-RAM memory semiconductor mass technology applying ‘Nano (1/1 billion)’ process technology which is the nano-technology. This technology was firstly developed combining the memory and non-memory semiconductor by the world semiconductor industry.

Samsung Electronics announced to develop D-RAM mass technology first in the world in press conference in Shilla Hotel, Seoul on September 16. Also, Samsung Electronics said that it succeeded in the 2giga byte NAND flash memory test production applying the same 90 NANO process technology, first in the industry.

90 Nano D-RAM is the product which pattern width is 1/1250 of hair. Samsung Electronics plans to produce 512 mega and 1 Giga D-RAM products applying the technology to 300㎜(12 inch) wafer production line for the next third quarter (July to September). It is anticipated that it will have over double productivity over 0.12 ㎛ process technology.

2 Giga NAND Flash Memory will be produced for the first half of next year. When using the product, it can make 4 Giga memory card as a size of the thumb. 4 Giga byte is the large capacity which can save 70 music CDs or 4 movies.

Hwang Chang-Gyu, the president of the memory business department, Samsung Electronics said “We succeeded in D-RAM mass production and Flash memory production with 90 Nano technology which exceeds 0.10㎛ in the semiconductor process technology. With over 1 year for the technological gap with competitors, the market command will be raised.”

Choi Seok-Po, Woori Securities Analyst who is specialized in the semiconductor said “When applying the nano-production technology developed by Samsung Electronics to 300㎜ Wafer, it can increase the productivity of D-RAM by 4 times and have a prominent price competitiveness compared with competitors of Taiwan and Japan. Because NAND flash memory has highly grown, the entire profitability of semiconductor field will largely be improved.”

Despite a slackness of the semiconductor business, the net income of semiconductor field of Samsung Electronics will increase for the third quarter over KRW 1070 billion of the second quarter.

He said “As NAND flash memory and DDR RAM has shown a favorable tendency, Samsung Electronics will increase sales and profits for the third quarter over the second quarter.”

Joong-Hyun Park sanjuck@donga.com