SK hynix has announced the completion of development and readiness for mass production of HBM4, a new iteration in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technology.
This development marks the first global mass production of HBM4, said the South Korean semiconductor company.
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HBM technology, known for dramatically enhancing data-processing speeds, achieves this by stacking multiple dynamic random-access memory chips vertically.
Since its introduction, six iterations have been developed by SK hynix, with HBM4 succeeding the previous HBM3E model. The latest development responds to escalating demand for high-bandwidth memory, driven by increased AI and data-processing requirements.
SK hynix HBM development head Joohwan Cho said: “Completion of HBM4 development will be a new milestone for the industry.
“By supplying the product that meets customer needs in performance, power efficiency and reliability in timely manner, the company will fulfil time to market and maintain competitive position.”
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By GlobalDataAccording to SK hynix, the newly developed HBM4 includes doubled bandwidth with 2,048 I/O terminals compared to its predecessor and achieves more than a 40% increase in power efficiency.
SK hynix anticipates these advancements will boost AI service performance by up to 69%, effectively addressing data bottlenecks while reducing power consumption in data centres.
Moreover, HBM4 achieves an operating speed exceeding 10Gbps, outpacing the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council standard of 8Gbps.
To support stable mass production, SK hynix employs the Advanced Mass Reflow Molded Underfill process alongside fifth-generation ten-nanometre technology, known as 1bnm. These technologies are critical for efficient heat dissipation and reliable chip stacking, crucial for maintaining production yields.
In parallel developments, SK hynix has commenced the supply of its mobile NAND solution ZUFS 4.1 following successful qualification processes completed in June. This marks another first in global mass production for the company.
Furthermore, SK hynix recently introduced the industry’s first High Numerical Aperture Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography system at its M16 facility in Icheon, South Korea.
This system is pivotal for developing and supplying advanced semiconductor products amidst fierce industry competition.
