SK hynix has announced the successful development of a 16Gb LPDDR6 DRAM built on its sixth-generation 10nm-class (1c) process technology. The company first showcased this next-generation LPDDR6 at CES in January and has now completed what it describes as the world’s first validation of 1c LPDDR6 development. Seen as a key enabler for the next wave of mobile AI experiences, the new DRAM is set to expand SK hynix’s conventional DRAM lineup tailored for AI-driven applications.
Ramp-Up Timeline and Mobile AI Focus
SK hynix plans to finish preparations for mass production within the first half of 2026, with volume supply to begin in the second half. The 1c LPDDR6 is mainly aimed at smartphones and tablets that have on-device AI capabilities. On-device AI processes data directly on the device rather than relying on a remote server. This allows for faster responses and more personalized AI services. By keeping computation local, smart devices can react quickly while enhancing customized AI performance.
Performance, Power Efficiency, and User Benefits
To aid demanding AI workloads, SK hynix has significantly boosted both data processing speed and power efficiency compared to its existing LPDDR5X products.
The new LPDDR6 boasts a 33% increase in data processing speed over the previous generation, driven by expanded bandwidth and higher data transmission per unit time. Its base operating speed exceeds 10.7 Gbps, which surpasses the maximum speed of current products.
Power consumption has been reduced by more than 20% thanks to a sub-channel structure and Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) technology. This sub-channel design activates only necessary data paths, while DVFS can dynamically adjust voltage and frequency based on operating conditions, ramping up performance for high-spec gaming and scaling down during everyday use.
SK hynix expects these advances to translate to longer battery life and smoother multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What process technology is used for SK hynix’s new LPDDR6 DRAM?
A: It is built on the company’s sixth-generation 10nm-class (1c) process technology.
Q: How much faster is the new LPDDR6 compared to the previous generation?
A: Its data processing speed is improved by 33% over the previous generation LPDDR5X product.
Q: What is the base operating speed of the 16Gb LPDDR6 DRAM?
A: The base operating speed is over 10.7 Gbps, exceeding the maximum speed of existing products.
Q: How does the new LPDDR6 reduce power consumption?
A: It uses a sub-channel structure and DVFS technology to cut power usage by more than 20% compared to the previous generation.
Q: When will SK hynix begin supplying the new LPDDR6?
A: The company aims to complete mass production preparations in the first half of the year and start supplying in the second half.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
