China's Tsinghua Unigroup to Manufacture 3D NAND Flash for Intel

[btarunr]

In a bid to ensure sufficient supply of NAND flash memory to meet the growing demands of not just PC, but also smartphone markets, China's Tsinghua Unigroup and Intel are in talks to license-manufacture 64-layer 3D NAND flash, based on existing IMFlash Technologies designs. IMFlash is a joint-venture between Intel and Micron Technology. Tsinghua Unigroup is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Chinese Government's ambitious plan to invest RMB 1 trillion (USD $158 billion) over the next five years, to increase China's semiconductor self-sufficiency to 70 percent, by 2025.

The move will significantly increase supply of NAND flash memory, and is seen as a market threat to Korean NAND flash giants Samsung and SK Hynix, and Japanese Toshiba. IMFlash Technology released its first 64-layer 3D NAND flash to the market in 2017, and is currently developing a 96-layer 3D NAND flash chip, which, along with newer 10 nm-class silicon fabrication process, could double densities over the current 64-layer chips.



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[btarunr]

FAQ #1: How does this affect me?. Ans. more NAND flash production would mean Korean/Japanese companies increasing DRAM production to offset NAND flash market-share loss to IMFlash, so memory prices will come down.

 

[R0H1T]

FAQ#2 How will this affect NAND & DRAM prices long term?
Given China's history, wrt state subsidies, it's possible that in the short to medium term we might see a DRAM or NAND glut.
Long term though the extra capacity will not help much, unless Chinese companies innovate themselves & bring leading edge tech (2/3/5/7 nm for DRAM or 3D NAND) to the fore.

 

[Gasaraki]

Lets do more technology transfer...

 

[Arjai]

I am wondering how this can not be good for consumers, like me, who cannot afford the current costs of RAM! DDR4 pricing is beyond stupid... More manufacturers, more supplies, more competition...until they all group together like OPEC, it should be good for all of us.

Right?

 

[R0H1T]

I am wondering how this can not be good for consumers, like me, who cannot afford the current costs of RAM! DDR4 pricing is beyond stupid... More manufacturers, more supplies, more competition...until they all group together like OPEC, it should be good for all of us.

Right?

Not always, a short or medium term glut can in fact be harmful. The increased supply only helps when the manufacturer doesn't abuse his increased dominance, say in DDR4, to overcharge for DDR5.

 

[Assimilator]

Hmmm... the quality and longevity of Tsinghua's NAND remains to be seen.