World's first 50nm DRam chip from Samsung
Manufacturer claims processor will increase efficiency greatly
Samsung has produced the world’s first 50-nanometer (nm) DRam memory chip, which it has claimed will greatly increase efficiency when it goes into production in 2008.
The 50nm prototype produces 55 per cent better efficiency compared with 60nm chips. It uses 3D transistor design and multi-layered di-electric technology to boost performance and data-storage capabilities.
The new 50nm process technology can be used across a broad range of DRam chips, including graphics and mobile DRam. Samsung said the 50nm chips will be the key format by 2011, when the DRam market will be worth an estimated $55bn.
Nam Yong Cho, executive vice-president of memory sales and marketing at Samsung’s semiconductor business, said: “With the 50nm DRam development, we’re continuing our technology leadership and paving the way for our customers to reap not only greater cost efficiencies, but also to make superior products.”
The 3D transistor used in the 50nm chip has a broader electron channel that optimises the speed of each chip’s electrons to reduce power consumption and enable higher performance. The 3D transistor also helps overcome the problems associated with continued miniaturisation of the overall memory circuit.
In related news, two senior Samsung Electronics executives and a senior official from Hynix Semiconductor have been accused by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) of taking part in an alleged ‘global conspiracy’ to artificially increase the price of DRam between 1999 and 2002. The three men are Rha Young Bae, former head of Samsung’s worldwide sales and marketing, Il Ung Kim, former vice-president of marketing for Samsung’s memory division and Gary Swanson, senior vice-president of memory sales and marketing at Hynix.
The maximum penalty if convicted will be three years in prison and a $350,000 fine. To date, the four-year anti-trust probe has seen 16 individuals charged and fines of more than $731m against the companies caught.
Thomas O Barnett, assistant attorney general in charge of the DoJ’s anti-trust division, said: “The Antitrust Division will vigorously pursue individuals who engage in criminal cartel conspiracies.”
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Samsung claims first 50nm chip