SK Hynix Starts Mass Production of Second Version of 16nm 64Gb MLC NAND Flash

SK Hynix Inc. has started mass production of 16nm 64Gb MLC NAND flash, which uses the  thinnest process technology.

The company has been mass producing its first version of the first 16nm NAND flash since June and recently has started to mass produce the second version which is more cost competitive due to its smaller chip size. In consequence, it geared up for strengthening its competitiveness in NAND flash.

Also, the company has developed 128Gb, the highest density in a single MLC chip, based on the specification and endurance of 16nm 64Gb MLC. The product is planned to be mass produced from the beginning of next year.

Generally, the thinner process technology shrinks the more frequent interferences among cells occur, but SK Hynix applied Air-Gap technology to overcome the interferences among the cells. The technology builds insulation shield with vacuum holes (Air) between circuits not with insulating substances.

“After the company developed and started to mass produce the industry’s thinnest 16nm product then now prepared high density NAND flash product portfolio thanks to the development of 16nm 128Gb MLC,” said SVP Jin Woong Kim, head of flash tech development. “The company plans to actively respond to our customers’ demands with the NAND Flash products which have high reliability and endurance.”

SK Hynix will strengthen its competitiveness in NAND flash solution while accelerating the development of TLC (Triple Level Cell) and 3D NAND flash.