Jaeyun Yi was appointed as the head of SK hynix’s Global Revolutionary Technology Center (RTC), which conducts research and development of next-generation semiconductors, at the end of 2023. As a seasoned semiconductor device expert, he has led the development of emerging memories¹ including ReRAM², MRAM³, PCM⁴, and ACiM⁵, which began with pilot studies of DRAMs.

¹Emerging memories: Memory technologies based on newer forms or principles compared to traditional memories such as DRAM or NAND flash. Examples of emerging memories include ReRAM, MRAM, PCM, and FeRAM.
²Resistive RAM (ReRAM): A semiconductor memory that stores data by applying voltage to simple-structured devices filled with filaments. With a refined process, it offers a high data storage capacity and low power consumption.
³Magnetic random access memory (MRAM): A semiconductor memory that simultaneously uses charge and spin so that the device’s resistance changes depending on the direction of the spin.
⁴Phase-change memory (PCM): A semiconductor memory that stores data by using the phase change of a specific material. It has both the advantages of flash memory of not losing information when powered off and DRAMs that have fast processing speeds.
⁵Analog compute-in-memory (ACiM): A technology for next-generation AI semiconductors that removes barriers between computation and memory.

Yi is credited with helping to lay the foundation for SK hynix’s global competitiveness by establishing the open research platform (ORP)⁶, that was based on his collaboration experience with domestic and foreign semiconductor companies, universities, and research institutes.

In continuation of the newsroom’s series interviewing the newest members of SK hynix’s executive team, Yi talked about his vision for Global RTC in developing future semiconductor memories and promoting wider collaborations through the ORP.

⁶Open research platform (ORP): A platform that builds a proactive research and development ecosystem by strengthening partnerships focused on technological innovation. Global RTC operates a Research website (https://research.skhynix.com) to share insights on its ongoing research of future technologies and to actively communicate with various global research organizations.

Yi believes that emerging memories will break through the limitations of conventional memories

Emerging Memories to Create Value That Transcends Generations

“Global RTC aims to present the paradigm for the evolution of the future semiconductor industry,” Yi asserted. “Especially, we are developing emerging memories that will unlock the value of next-generation technologies. In addition, we are continuing to conduct foundational research into advanced computing that will overcome the limitations of existing semiconductor technologies. As a new company executive, I will accelerate the achievements of our future research and development to solidify SK hynix’s technological leadership.”

Accordingly, Yi anticipates emerging memories will set a new paradigm for the AI era. These technologies are gaining attention as advanced solutions that will break through the limitations of conventional memory. As for SK hynix, its current emerging memory solutions include SOM⁷, spin⁸, synaptic⁹ memory, and ACiM.

⁷Selector-only memory (SOM): A semiconductor consisting of a dual function material (DFM) and two electrodes that can play the role of both memory and selector. A selector is a device that responds to a voltage applied between a word line and a bit line. It allows data to be written or erased on a memory cell based on the difference in voltage across the two ends.
⁸Spin: A technology that applies the spin motion of electrons to semiconductors, enabling various forms of memory and devices with ultra-high speed and ultra-low power characteristics.
⁹Synaptic: Devices that can mimic the neural networks of the human brain, solving problems caused by traditional computer structures and enabling highly efficient computing structures.

Yi anticipates Global RTC to lead the future of the semiconductor industry by developing emerging memories

“SOM possesses both the characteristics to quickly process data as seen in DRAMs and the ability to store and erase data like NAND flash,” Yi explained. “It is expected to play an important role in the DRAM and NAND flash markets that are set to see drastic changes. Additionally, Global RTC is developing a variety of future technologies such as the fastest spin device among emerging memories which leverages magnetic properties.”

Yi also mentioned how Global RTC’s research in other emerging memories is progressing rapidly.

“We are conducting research in synaptic memory, an AI semiconductor that mimics the human brain,” Yi said. “In addition, we are researching ACiM which reduces data movement between the memory and processor during AI computation while also cutting energy use. This specific technology has recently attracted great interest from both the academic field and our industry.”

Yi claims Global RTC’s ORP will advance global collaborations

Making SK hynix Shine Brighter in the Global Market

Yi emphasized that SK hynix needs to strengthen its system of collaboration with those from all walks of life to be more competitive in the rapidly changing global market.

“The ORP fostered by Global RTC is an open research platform of collaboration that can address the range of future technology demands,” he noted. “As a result, we are currently discussing possible partnerships with external companies and research organizations.”

He also stressed that “in the future semiconductor market, success will rely on such alliances between various institutions including industry players, academic bodies, and research organizations rather than the efforts of a single company.”

“Furthermore, it is also important to have a new system that promotes open discussions in response to environmental changes,” he added.

Through these efforts, Yi is committed to researching customized semiconductor memories to meet diversified needs in the future. Moreover, he touched on the responsibilities that come with being a leader in the global semiconductor industry.

“As the data generated by technological advancements such as AI and cloud computing continues to grow, there are concerns over the significant power consumption of these innovations,” he said. “Consequently, Global RTC is continuing to research about efficient energy use so we can achieve our goal of net zero.”

Pathfinders of Future Technologies: “It’s All About Taking on Challenges”

“The recent AI fever that started with ChatGPT is also a huge opportunity for the semiconductor memory field,” Yi stated. “At this significant time, we need to be pathfinders of future technologies.”

He noted the importance of developing diverse fundamental technologies¹⁰ for the future market just like TSV¹¹, which was applied to HBM and transformed the industry downturn into an opportunity.

¹⁰Fundamental technologies: A core technology required to implement changes and improvements to product characteristics.
¹¹Through-silicon via (TSV): A technology that drills thousands of microscopic holes in a DRAM chip and connects the holes in the upper and lower layers of the chip with electrodes that run vertically through them.

Yi points to communication, trust, and care in his organization as the cornerstones of success

“TSV—a vital fundamental technology for HBM—started its research 15 years ago as one of the innovative technologies of the future,” Yi recalled. “Even if it was not developed in anticipation of the AI era, it has become one of the leading AI semiconductor technologies of today. Likewise, we need to work on developing more fundamental technologies for a future that we truly cannot predict.”

Yi also offered his last words of encouragement to SK hynix employees.

“All of our hard work has played a part in transforming the past downturn into an opportunity, but we cannot be satisfied just yet,” he said. “If we are not afraid in the face of new challenges, we can achieve even more than we have in the past. I hope we can make a united effort in taking on challenges by communicating, trusting, and caring for one another.”

<Other articles from this series>

New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix’s First Female Research Fellow, Vice President Oh Haesoon, on Advancing NAND Flash

New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix’s Youngest Exec, Lee Donghun, Discusses Spearheading NAND Flash Development

New Leadership Spotlight: Vice President Kitae Kim, Head of HBM Sales & Marketing, on Future-Proofing HBM’s Market Leadership

New Leadership Spotlight: Vice President Hoyoung Son Targets SK hynix’s Evolution Into Total AI Memory Provider Through Advanced Packaging Tech

Leadership Spotlight: Deoksin Kil, Head of Material Development, On Achieving Tech Innovation Through Advanced Materials

New Leadership Spotlight: Head of HBM PI Unoh Kwon Aims to Finish SK hynix’s HBM Roadmap & Lead in the AI Era

New Leadership Spotlight: SK hynix Execs Join Roundtable to Discuss Company’s AI Memory Leadership & Future Market Trends

The post New Leadership Spotlight: Global RTC Head Jaeyun Yi Aims to Present a New Paradigm for the Future of Semiconductors first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

“Research in future technologies is a battle of ideas, and a flexible research culture is key to promoting creativity. A habit of collaborating is also crucial as innovation does not happen with one person.”

The Revolutionary Technology Center (RTC) is SK hynix’s future technology research organization that has already grown into a notable institution despite only being established in 2021. Based on the model of an open research platform (ORP)¹, the organization is actively engaged in research collaborations and academic activities.

¹Open research platform (ORP): A platform that conducts research that is widely accessible and develops an open ecosystem by encouraging research collaborations.

It would not be an understatement to say that RTC’s unique organizational culture is responsible for its rapid growth. A horizontal work culture, systematic research collaborations, and an agile work process have made positive outcomes. To find out more about the organization’s secrets to success, the SK hynix Newsroom interviewed three RTC members to discuss the center’s unique research methods and distinct work culture.

RTC Plants Seeds of Future Technologies

There have been countless companies that have faded into obscurity because they could not respond quickly enough to digital transformations or a rapidly changing market. The semiconductor sector is no exception as it no longer relies on once core concepts such as Moore’s Law² and the Von Neumann³ architecture. As the shrinkage of devices has now nearly reached its limit, it has become difficult to increase memory speed and capacity using only conventional processes. Meanwhile, it has also become impossible to compute large-scale data using just the Von Neumann architecture, which splits semiconductors into system and memory. As a result, innovation has become important in all aspects of semiconductor development, and research on future technologies has become a matter of survival in this rapidly changing market.

²Moore’s Law: Devised by Intel Co-Founder Gordon Moore, Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles every one to two years.
³Von Neumann architecture: A program-embedded computer structure typically featuring three levels consisting of the main memory unit, a central processing unit, and an input/output unit. Most computers today follow this basic structure, but its bottleneck limits the ability to design high-speed computers.

Accordingly, RTC’s goals include maintaining SK hynix’s competitiveness in the global market through advancements in DRAM and NAND flash and researching new types of memory. The center also aims to expand semiconductor technologies that can be compatible with next-generation solutions like high-performance computing.

According to Jungwook Woo of the Revolutionary DRAM team, RTC is an organization that acts as a guide to navigate SK hynix’s path forward.

▲Jungwook Woo talks about the role of RTC and the importance of revolutionary semiconductors

“I think RTC shows the way for our workforce to march forward,” he said. “This means exploring future technologies and markets while conducting pilot studies on technologies that show potential in paving the way for future business items.”

In particular, the Future Memory Research team that Lee is a part of is looking even 30 years into the future. The team draws up a future roadmap ranging around 10 to 30 years and looks at all the technologies that may be involved in this timeframe. Lee explains that it is like finding a gemstone and polishing it into jewelry.

“You can think of it as planting seeds, just like the magic beans in Jack and the Beanstalk,” he said. “In short, RTC’s job is to plant the seeds of future technologies that will eventually blossom into fine objects such as jewelry.”

Communicating Without Barriers and Moving With Shrewdness

Imagination, creativity, and ideas are the cornerstones of RTC, as it sets the focus of its pilot studies on preparing for the future rather than staying in the present. Thus, the horizontal culture of the center stands out even within SK hynix which already had a company-wide horizontal culture. Lee thinks that imagination and ideas are fostered by such open communication in a welcoming environment.

▲ Woocheol Lee describes RTC’s unique culture of open communication

“It is common to communicate through online messages at RTC,” said Woocheol Lee of the Future Memory Research team. “We do not usually write long emails or follow overly formal procedures if they are deemed unnecessary. This more relaxed approach to communication also makes it easy to talk to executives. I remember the time RTC Vice President Myung-hee Na prepared a personalized presentation due to a question I had asked her.”

Another feature that exemplifies RTC’s culture is its creative research program. The center organizes events such as Patent Day and the Innovation Box Festival to encourage a culture of open research and communication.

Patent Day is a program aimed at responding to future technologies and securing patents. Each team researches several patents and works together to develop a new one. Once the teams have developed their ideas, the center hosts Patent Day. Meanwhile, the biannual Innovation Box Festival promotes the development of future technologies. Members set aside some of their work time to transform their concepts for new technologies into concrete proposals. The selected entries become the subject of pilot studies, and the findings from the research are then encouraged to be used for patent submission or academic work.

These two programs have been praised by RTC members for encouraging creativity. “I often have random ideas floating in my head, and the center allows me to pursue these ideas in real life,” said Jaehyuk Park from the SOM Cell team.

RTC members have also stated that forming diverse project teams has proved to be very helpful for research. But such collaboration and the aforementioned open communication and creative research methods are not the only pillars of RTC’s organizational culture. Agility is also cited as a key aspect of life at RTC and this approach has enabled the center to conduct its research efficiently.

Being agile at RTC can be exemplified when its experts from different teams promptly gather together to conduct pilot studies and then turn their attention to a different task after completing their preliminary research. Woo’s team was also reorganized as a reaction to shifts in technology trends. In order to anticipate the possibilities of various technologies alongside changes in the market environment, agile research and development are conducted while the direction of work is frequently reviewed. This allowed RTC to quickly move forward with the time-sensitive pilot study. Woo considers this agile mindset a major advantage for the organization.

“In the case of pilot studies, the success or failure of the project is determined in the early stages. So, setting KPIs for the whole year may make a company miss the opportune time to conduct research. RTC, on the other hand, makes swift reviews on issues for quick decision-making and sets the right direction for the course of its projects to maintain its agile mindset.”

More Patents and Conference Presentations Thanks to a Unique Organizational Culture

The center’s organizational culture has been grounded in the belief that good processes produce good results. Lee emphasizes that Patent Day provided in-depth discussions with team members that were a great help on his road to achieving goals.

“After joining the company in 2021, I came up with several patents and a few of them have been successfully filed,” Lee said. “I was able to achieve this milestone due to the environment here that encourages filing patents, sharing ideas, and seeking challenges even if we fail at times.”

As for Park, he recently completed a pilot study on an idea that was chosen at the Innovation Box Festival.

▲Jaehyuk Park describes his participation in the Innovation Box Festival and his accomplishments

“Our team came up with an idea that was selected at the Innovation Box Festival, so we were able to conduct a pilot study that was based on the idea,” Park recalled.

As these examples show, a lot of the research conducted at RTC is actively shared among its members. This is due to RTC’s goal of becoming a collaborative research organization that expands boundaries from its internal organization to external parties. Accordingly, a lot of Lee’s work includes collaborations with overseas research institutions.

▲(From left) Woocheol Lee, Jaehyuk Park, and Jungwook Woo discuss about participating in various research projects

“We are exploring future technologies with overseas research institutes such as the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), and Stanford University’s Stanford SystemX Alliance,” Lee said.

The active research and sharing that is taking place among members is also starting to pay off at the organizational level. The number of papers submitted to world-renowned conferences such as the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) and IFIP/IEEE International Conference on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) is increasing every year. Lee thinks that these achievements are just the tip of the iceberg.

“We now want to collaborate openly on research that was previously only conducted internally,” Lee said. “As this is just the beginning for RTC, there will be further achievements down the road. If our quality collaborations and shared achievements continue, I think RTC will grow into an ORP where everyone researches together.”

An Organization Moving Into the Future With a Shared Vision

RTC has a number of initiatives to strengthen its internal communications including roundtable meetings, newsletters, and vision-sharing sessions. Many members point to these vision-sharing sessions that look at the current state of the organization and research trends as the secret to RTC’s strength. The sessions help members look objectively at where they are, suggest ways to improve, and keeps everyone on the same page.

▲(From left) Jaehyuk Park, Woocheol Lee, and Jungwook Woo talk about their approach to future semiconductor research

As for the three interviewees, they have different personal missions for the future. Woo wants to be “a scout that conducts pilot studies to propose the path for the main unit to move forward”, while Park holds the notion that “all innovations start with my work as they deal with cells, the foundation of semiconductors.” Meanwhile, Lee conducts his research with the mindset of “creating game-changing technologies that contribute not only to the company but to humanity itself.”

In the end, all three members are confident that RTC will lead the way in turning new ideas into reality and, consequently, contribute to changing the world.

The post Open Communication, Creative Research, and Agile Problem-Solving: The Keys to RTC’s Advances in Semiconductor Research first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

“Over the next decade, the semiconductor market will become more dynamic than ever. To be prepared, we need to start taking initiatives beginning with changing the way we work,” says Myung-hee Na, the vice president of Revolutionary Technology Center (RTC) at SK hynix.

As next-generation innovations such as hyperscale AI and machine learning have gradually become a part of peoples’ daily lives, the semiconductor industry is tasked with catching up to the pace of future technologies. Na has been an avid advocate of research during the two decades that she has worked as a semiconductor technologist around the globe. She now directs RTC’s research towards SK hynix’s core businesses in DRAM and NAND memory, securing new-type memories that will create new values in next-generation technologies, and semiconductor technologies that will support the environment for next-generation computing.

However, Na does not think technological advancements are the only components that her institution needs to become a global player in future semiconductor research. The head of RTC plans to make her organization reputable for its open channels of dialogue and active collaboration with other bodies invested in semiconductor research. More specifically, she stresses that “an environment that encourages open discussions is crucial” for research, and that “an open research platform (ORP) is an effective model to establish such an ecosystem.”

Putting together her expertise that comes from past experiences including her time at IBM and the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), she is now committed to the goal of integrating an ORP for RTC. In the end, Na’s blueprint for RTC is to become a Global R&D24, or a systemized structure that encourages research collaboration by integrating a database of resources and enabling networking among global experts.

To read more about how Na plans to get RTC to become a global hub for future semiconductor research, read the full article on EE Times: SK hynix’s Revolutionary Technology Center Presents Its Blueprint for Future Semiconductor Research

The post SK hynix’s Revolutionary Technology Center Presents Its Blueprint for Future Semiconductor Research first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.