One day in 2008, the performance test for the graphic DRAM was in full swing at the Design Analysis Office at SK hynix (Hynix Semiconductor Inc. at that time). Joohwan Cho (DRAM PE), who was working hard on research, was the key person of the development and this is the person we will introduce in this article today.

“Graphic DRAM is a product specialized in ‘speed’, as it is optimal for fast data processing. If we could develop a high-speed technology for a graphic DRAM, it would mean that we could timely release higher performance products than our competitors, as it can be applied to main memory DRAMs or mobile DRAMs. At that time, SK hynix was also preparing a new graphic DRAM, GDDR5, with a goal of achieving 7Gbps speed (processing 7 gigabit of data per second). It can sound relatively slow when you compare it to the current level, but at that time, it was ‘SUPEX (Super Excellent)’, which means the highest level that humans can achieve, as a core concept of SK Group’s management. We set the high target like this from the beginning, as a ‘strategy’ to dominate the DRAM market.”

To achieve “7Gbps”, all existing designs had to be fundamentally changed. For this reason, the design team at that time attempted to apply the “2-Phase Clocking” design technology for the first time in the DRAM industry. “Clocking” is a method for synchronizing transmitted and received data during data transmission, and “2-Phase” is a technology that secures a spare time for operation by dividing the frequency. In other words, when comparing it to the water flow, this concept is like making the water flow in two pipelines and then combining two water flows afterwards, while the water flowed through only one pipeline previously.

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In fact, Joohwan Cho had tried the “2-Phase Clocking” technology for the previous generation, GDDR4, but this did not lead to a great result. For him, GDDR4 meant the pain and a valuable lesson at the same time. Therefore, the success of GDDR5 was something he wanted to achieve and something he had to achieve. Also, as he took on the leader for this project at the relatively earlier stage of his career at that time, his sense of responsibility and his will was greater than anyone else.

The World’s first 40nm-class 2 Gigabit Graphic DDR5 Proves the “High Position” by Its Market Share

The product that was born after the enormous efforts was the 2 gigabit (Gb) GDDR5 where a 40nm-class process was applied for the first time in the world. This product could process 28 gigabytes (GB) of data per second through 32 input/output (I/O), with a processing speed of 7Gbps. The capacity was also doubled compared to the existing 50nm-class 1Gb product, which could meet the demand for high-capacity products. Also, energy consumption has been reduced by 20% compared to the previous one with low power operation of 1.35V.

40nm-class 2 gigabit (GB) graphic DDR5 product developed
by Hynix Semiconductor (predecessor to SK hynix)

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Graphic DRAM was characterized by its capability of processing a large amount of data at once compared to general-purpose DRAM. GDDR5, which dramatically enhanced processing speed, was optimal for high-end desktops or laptops that required high-resolution and high-speed operation.

“Like today, early adopters, consumers who tend to purchase and use newly released products than others, used to measure the performance of newly released graphic cards by using various programs and share the results with others. There were many responses that SK hynix’s graphic DRAM was well ‘overclocked’. Here, overclocking means artificially controlling the chip performance to make it faster than it actually is. Consumer preference was very high in terms of performance as well. This suggests that this product was very competitive.”

Earlier, Hynix Semiconductor had succeeded in developing the world’s first 60nm-class 1Gb GDDR5 in 2007 and 50nm-class 1Gb GDDR5 in 2008, accounting for around 50% of the DRAM market’s share. With the development of the GDDR5 product, it secured a market share of nearly 70% and held an unchallenged position in the high-performance graphic DRAM market whilst leading the market.

Joohwan Cho, who has contributed to the development of SK hynix by committing himself to DRAM design for 27 years, has been recognized for his various achievements in Korea and other countries. The awards he has received so far include the In-house Year-end General Award, 38nm Graphic Special Award, and the SK Management System (SKMS) Practice Award. In 2015, he was recognized for his contribution to improving technological competitiveness by securing the 30nm-class GDDR5 design technology by receiving the Minister’s Award for the “Semiconductor Day” in Korea. As his career suggests, many products that have gone through his hands, but the 40nm-class 2Gb GDDR5 has always a special meaning to him.

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“It was a product that made me realize and reminded me of the fact that we also have the DNA for taking the No.1 ranking and the ability to achieve it. The sense of accomplishment I felt at that time has been motivating me greatly even to this day. I believe that if we take the first place in several fields one by one, we will win the first place in the entire DRAM market. I hope the juniors also remember good precedents like GDDR5 and work with confidence.”

The post Head of DRAM PE Joohwan Cho, Key Person of the Development of the World’s First 40nm-class 2Gb Graphic DDR5 first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

hynix Semiconductor Inc., (‘hynix’ or ‘the Company’, www.hynix.com) today announced the industry’s first 2Gb(Gigabit) GDDR5 using its leading-edge 40nm class process technology.

The newly developed GDDR5 is the fastest and highest density graphics memory available in the market. It operates at 7Gbps (Gigabit per second) bandwidth and processes up to 28 GB/s (Gigabytes per second) with a 32-bit I/O. In addition to its fastest speed and highest density, it is also designed to minimize power consumption with 1.35V operation voltage. It is an ‘eco-friendly’ device which reduces energy consumption by 20% over the preceding memory solutions using 50nm class technology.

GDDR, Graphics Double Data Rate, is an ultra high speed Graphics DRAM that processes graphic data in electronic devices such as personal computer and game consoles. This product is especially ideal in high end applications of desk PC and laptop. The demand of Graphics DRAM for servers and super computers is expected to increase.

hynix plans to start mass production of 2Gb GDDR5 in the second half of next year to meet the increasing demand for high performance graphics DRAM.

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About hynix Semiconductor Inc.

hynix Semiconductor Inc. (HSI) of Icheon, Korea, is the world’s top tier memory semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAMs”) , Flash memory chips (“NAND Flash”) and CMOS Image Sensor (“CIS”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about hynix is available at www.hynix.com.

Media Contact

SK hynix Inc.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Assistant Manager
Seong-Ae Park
Phone: +82.2.3459.5325
Fax: +82.2.3459.5333
E-Mail: seongae.park@hynix.com

The post hynix Introduces World’s First 40nm Class 2Gb GDDR5 DRAM first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

hynix Semiconductor Inc., (‘hynix’ or ‘the Company’, www.hynix.com) today introduced the industry’s first and fastest 1 Gigabit GDDR5 Graphics DRAM.

The newly introduced 1Gb GDDR5 is built on the company’s leading edge 54 nanometer process technology. It operates at the fastest speed of 7Gbps which is 40% improved compared to 5Gbps GDDR5 and processes up to 28 Gigabytes of data per second with a 32-bit I/O. In addition to its improved speed, it is also designed to minimize power consumption at 1.35V power supply. This fast speed of graphics memory product is ideal in high end applications such as game PC, game console and graphic cards.

The Company expects that it will keep its leading position in the graphics DRAM market by introducing the fastest and high density graphics memory product along with the previously developed 1Gb GDDR5 with 66 nanometer process technology.

hynix’s 1Gb GDDR5 graphics DRAM meets JEDEC standard and the Company plans to start volume production in the first half of next year to meet the increasing demand for high performance graphics DRAM.

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About hynix Semiconductor Inc.

hynix Semiconductor Inc. (HSI) of Icheon, Korea, is the world’s top tier memory semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAMs”) and Flash memory chips to a wide range of established international customers. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Stock Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about hynix is available at www.hynix.com.

Media Contact

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Assistant Manager
Seong-Ae Park
Phone: +82.2.3459.5325
Fax: +82.2.3459.5333
E-Mail: seongae.park@hynix.com

The post hynix Introduces Industrys Fastest 7Gbps, 1Gb GDDR5 Graphics DRAM first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

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Seoul, November 15, 2007

hynix Semiconductor Inc., (‘hynix’ or ‘the Company’, www.hynix.com) today introduced the industry’s first 1 Gigabit GDDR5 Graphics DRAM.

GDDR, Graphics Double Data Rate, is an ultra high speed Graphics DRAM that processes graphic data in electronic devices such as personal computer and game consoles. As high definition digital media players market continues to expand, demand for high-speed and high density GDDR products is rapidly increasing.

The industry’s first 1Gb GDDR5 from hynix is also the fastest and highest density graphics memory available. It operates at 5Gbps bandwidth and processes up to 20 Gigabytes of data per second with a 32-bit I/O, ideal in applications with high definition video and cinematic and photo-realistic graphics content. A bandwidth of 20 Gigabytes per second offered by the hynix 1Gb GDDR5 can process more than 20 hours of DVD quality video.

The newly introduced GDDR5 is built on the company’s leading edge 66nanometer process technology and designed to minimize power consumption. In addition to its small form factor and power saving characteristics, hynix’s GDDR5 features time delay adjustments, error correction and jitter control technology enabling more robust system designs.

The fifth generation graphics memory GDDR5 improves data processing speed by more than two times than that of GDDR3, the current mainstream graphics DRAM device. With its improved speed and power characteristics, GDDR5 is projected to succeed GDDR3 and dominate the graphics DRAM market from the 2nd half of 2008.

hynix plans to start mass production of GDDR5 in the first half of next year to meet the increasing demand for high performance graphics DRAM.

About hynix Semiconductor Inc.

hynix Semiconductor Inc. (HSI) of Icheon, Korea, is the world’s top tier memory semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAMs”) and Flash memory chips to a wide range of established international customers. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Stock Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about hynix is available at www.hynix.com.

The post hynix Introduces Industry’s First 1Gb GDDR5 DRAM first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.