SK hynix has developed LPDDR5X (Low Power Double Data Rate 5X), the world's first-ever mobile DRAM with an integrated HKMG (High-K Metal Gate) process, which was just recently introduced to the market. The LPDDR5X boasts the industry's highest energy-efficiency as SK hynix succeeded in reducing power consumption by 25% compared to the previous generation and operates in the ultra-low voltage range of 1.01 V to 1.12 V set by the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council).
For the LPDDR, which is also called a mobile DRAM, having a low power consumption is its greatest asset, just as its standard name—LP (Low Power)—suggests. As power is limited in mobile devices, it's necessary to reduce power consumption as much as possible to extend the usage time.

This is why lowering power consumption is just as important as increasing operating speed. LPDDR5X was the first among mobile DRAMs to integrate the HKMG process and see improved performance and a reduction in power consumption, essentially killing two birds with one stone. As the power consumption of DRAM gets lowered by LPDDR5X, mobile devices can be used for a longer time with a single charge. The reduction in power consumption of such products can subsequently lead to a reduction in the power used by consumers, which is in line with the value of SK hynix's ESG-centered business management.Additionally, the current LPDDR5X has an operating speed of 8.5 Gbps, 33% faster than the previous generation. The industry is taking heed that SK hynix introduced the world's first-ever LPDDR with an integrated HKMG process. The newsroom team sat down with Lee Jae Hyuk (Mobile & Auto Planning), Nam KiBong (Function Device), Cho Sung Kwon (Canopus LPD5 PE), Kim Hyun Seung (Design Quality Innovation), and Lee Wook Jae (MCP/ MO Enablement)—the people behind the successful development of LPDDR5X—to hear the story behind the development process and their unflagging commitment to its launch.

LPDDR (Low Power Double Data Rate), also known as mobile DRAM, is mainly used in wireless electronic devices including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. LPDDR is smaller and requires less power compared to other DRAM products, reducing the devices' size and weight as well as extending usage time. The increase in demand for mobile devices, including smartphones, was a critical factor in LPDDR's rapid development. The recent spotlight on the environment also boosted interest in LPDDR, which requires less power.

SK hynix continuously developed LPDDR without missing out on these market trends. The company mass-produced the 18 GB LPDDR5, currently the industry's largest capacity, in 2021 and followed up with the industry's fastest LPDDR5X (4266 MHz/8.5 Gbps) a year later, cementing its leadership in memory semiconductors. SK hynix then went a step further, developing an LPDDR that is 33% faster than the previous generation and allows users to download more than thirteen 5 GB videos in one second. The newsroom team went behind-the-scenes to discover how the teams involved developed the industry's best performing LPDDR5X.