Evolution
SK Hynix stopped 30 nm-level DRAM production and converted 100 percent of its manufacturing facilities into 20 nm-level in four years since the introduction of the 38 nm process. According to industry sources, 25 nm processes accounted for 82 percent of its total production as of the first quarter of this year.
The 38 nm process was equivalent to 8 percent of its total DRAM production in the last quarter of 2014. In contrast, the 30 nm processes still account for as high as 40 percent and 90 percent in Micron and Nanya, respectively.
SK Hynix, in the meantime, is planning to adopt the 2z DRAM fabrication process, which is currently led by Samsung Electronics, in the latter half of this year. Market research firm DRAMeXchange recently reported that SK Hynix would start the production in the third quarter and put it on track next year.
Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest DRAM manufacturer, is currently overwhelming SK Hynix when it comes to productivity. In the first quarter, 2z processes, which are characterized by a 30 percent higher productivity than that of 25 nm, accounted for about 20 percent in Samsung Electronics, and the percentage is estimated to exceed 50 percent this year.
According to DRAMeXchange, Samsung Electronics is producing 57 percent of its DRAM in 25 nm processes, 23 percent in 20 nm, and 20 percent in 35 nm. The third is being maintained due to its long-term contracts with clients.