China Makes World’s Most Advanced 3D NAND memory chip Despite US Sanctions

TechInsights has not seen a Quad-Level Cell (QLC) 3D NAND die with more than two hundred active word lines before, making this discovery a significant first.

Introduction

TechInsights recently made an unexpected technological leap by uncovering a groundbreaking 232-layer Quad-Level Cell (QLC) 3D NAND memory chip within a consumer device, marking World’s most advanced memory achievement from China

This discovery has far-reaching implications for the realm of high-performance computing (HPC), particularly in applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

China’s Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd. (YMTC) has created a chip that represents a significant stride forward in memory chip design and is poised to reshape the landscape of advanced memory technology.

In this blog post, we will delve into the key takeaways from this discovery, providing in-depth insights into this groundbreaking development and its potential impact on the tech industry.

Image Credit: TechInsights

Join Our WhatsApp News

The Most advanced Memory from China

The star of this discovery is the remarkable 232-layer QLC 3D NAND die developed by YMTC, as illustrated above.

This cutting-edge chip is the core component of the ZhiTai Ti600 1TB solid-state drive (SSD), and it boasts an astonishing bit density of 19.8 Gb/mm², a milestone never before achieved in a commercially available NAND product.

Read More: How China Circumvented US Restrictions to Unveil 120 Layer NAND Flash

What is 232-Layer QLC 3D NAND ?

A 232-layer 3D NAND is advanced computer memory. Think of it as a skyscraper with tiny storage units as floors. Unlike flat two-dimensional memory chips, 3D NAND stacks these units, much like skyscraper floors.

So, a 232-layer 3D NAND has 232 layers of these storage units stacked on top of each other.

Each of these layers can store data, like your photos, videos, and documents. Having 232 layers means there’s a lot of space to store a huge amount of data.

This technology is vital for high-performance tasks like AI and fast data storage. It’s akin to a tall bookshelf with many shelves, each holding lots of books or data.

The more layers you have, the more books (or data) you can store in the same amount of space.

A 232-layer 3D NAND is significant as it offers faster and roomier digital storage. The controversy over this tech, amidst a U.S. ban, extends beyond its development. It involves national security, economic competition, and trade policies, adding to the concerns.

Read More: 1 TB chip: SK Hynix’s 321 layer Flash Revolution

Image Credit: TechInsights

Key Takeaways from Most Advanced Memory from China

Xtacking Hybrid Bonding Technology:

YMTC showcased the effectiveness of Xtacking Hybrid Bonding tech for 3D NAND TLC and QLC. BSSC technology in Xtacking 3.0 232L improved yield, performance, and cut production costs.

This highlights YMTC’s mastery of advanced memory chip technology.

Overcoming Sanctions:

Despite sanctions affecting Apple supplies and being on the U.S. entity list, YMTC perseveres in memory tech. The discovery showcases China’s resolve to overcome trade barriers and create a domestic semiconductor supply chain, demonstrating boundless innovation.

Competitive Edge:

In a memory industry downturn, YMTC’s cost-effective approach has given them an edge. Their high-bit-density 3D Xtacking NAND surpasses Micron and Intel, who are also working on 232-layer QLC 3D NAND.

Read More: Why is Foxconn, a Taiwan-based iPhone-maker being investigated by China

Image Credit: TechInsights

Competitors:

This discovery places YMTC ahead of companies like Micron and Intel (Solidigm) in the development of 232-layer QLC 3D NAND devices.

It’s important to note that Samsung has chosen not to develop QLC technology on its 236-layer (V8) 3D NAND chips, as their current strategy centers on advancing the V9 3D NAND TLC and QLC.

However, during Samsung’s recent Memory Tech Day, they introduced their first QLC product aimed at the mobile market, a 512GB UFS 3.1 product utilizing 176-layer (V7) technology.

Meanwhile, SK Hynix primarily focuses on TLC (Triple-Level Cell) devices rather than QLC (Quad-Level Cell) products.

CompanyType of MemoryDevelopment Status of 232-Layer NANDAdditional Notes
YMTC (China)QLC (Quad-Level Cell)Leading in 232-Layer QLC NAND development– YMTC is ahead in the 232-layer QLC NAND race.
Micron (USA)QLC (Quad-Level Cell)Actively working on 232-Layer QLC NAND– Competing in the development of 232-layer QLC NAND.
Intel (Solidigm) (USA)QLC (Quad-Level Cell)Working on 232-Layer QLC NAND– Intel’s subsidiary Solidigm is in the race for 232-layer QLC NAND.
Samsung (South Korea)V9 3D NAND TLC and QLC (Triple-Level Cell and Quad-Level Cell)Focusing on V9 3D NAND TLC and QLC– Samsung is concentrating on V9 3D NAND TLC and QLC technology.
Samsung (South Korea)V7 3D NAND QLC (Triple-Level Cell)Recently introduced 176-layer (V7) QLC NAND for mobile products– Samsung has now ventured into QLC technology for mobile devices.
SK Hynix (South Korea)TLC (Triple-Level Cell)Focused on TLC (Triple-Level Cell) devices– SK Hynix emphasizes TLC NAND rather than QLC NAND.

What are the various memory innovations in the world?

Types of Memory:

QLC (Quad-Level Cell):

  • Simple Explanation: QLC is a type of memory that can store a lot of data in each storage unit (cell). It’s like having four different levels of information that can be stored in one place.
  • Usage: QLC memory is good for large storage devices like hard drives and SSDs where you need a lot of space to store photos, videos, and other big files.

TLC (Triple-Level Cell):

  • Simple Explanation: TLC memory stores three levels of information in each storage unit. It’s a balance between speed and storage space.
  • Usage: TLC is often used in consumer-grade SSDs because it provides a good mix of storage capacity and performance.

V9 3D NAND TLC (Triple-Level Cell) and QLC (Quad-Level Cell):

  • Simple Explanation: V9 3D NAND memory is a type of memory that stacks data in three dimensions (similar to a skyscraper) and has the capacity to accommodate three or four levels of data in each cell.
  • Usage: High-performance applications like top-tier SSDs for gaming and professional work use V9 3D NAND memory.

Comparison:

Type of MemoryExplanationCommon Usage
QLC (Quad-Level Cell)Stores four levels of data in each cell, providing a lot of storage space but may be slower.Large storage devices like hard drives and budget-friendly SSDs.
TLC (Triple-Level Cell)Stores three levels of data in each cell, offering a balance between storage space and speed.Consumer-grade SSDs for everyday use.
V9 3D NAND TLC (Triple-Level Cell) and QLC (Quad-Level Cell)Stacked memory with three or four levels of data in each cell, suitable for high-performance applications.Top-tier SSDs for gaming, professional work, and advanced computing.

Implications for the Industry from most advanced memory from China

YMTC’s groundbreaking achievement not only highlights the growing influence of Chinese semiconductor manufacturers but also underscores the broader trend of technological innovation in the face of trade restrictions.

China’s relentless pursuit of self-reliance in the semiconductor industry is yielding more successful results than initially anticipated, posing a significant challenge to established industry leaders.

This breakthrough in 3D NAND memory technology carries vast implications for high-performance computing applications, particularly in the domains of AI and machine learning.

It signifies a significant leap forward in memory technology and underscores the importance of fostering innovation, even when faced with complex geopolitical and economic hurdles.

Read More: China Restricts Exports of Graphite, in response to US Ban

Conclusion

YMTC’s 232-layer QLC 3D NAND discovery showcases China’s rise in the global semiconductor industry. Chinese tech firms, despite obstacles, are pushing the boundaries of chip design and production. This strengthens China’s tech position and highlights innovation’s crucial role in progress. As China’s semiconductor capabilities evolve, the tech industry is set for more advances.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Priyadarshi is a prominent figure in the world of technology and semiconductors. With a deep passion for innovation and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the semiconductor industry, Kumar has established himself as a thought leader and expert in the field. He is the founder of Techovedas, India’s first semiconductor and AI tech media company, where he shares insights, analysis, and trends related to the semiconductor and AI industries.

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. He couldn’t find joy working in the fab and moved to India. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL)

Articles: 2237