SK hynix has succeeded in developing LPDDR6 DRAM using its 10-nanometre-class sixth-generation (1c) process. SK hynix said on Monday it has developed 16-gigabit LPDDR6 DRAM.

LPDDR is a low-power DRAM standard used in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The 1c refers to the 10-nanometre-class sixth-generation process, and the mobile DRAM standard is shifting from LPDDR5X to LPDDR6. The company said it recently completed the world’s first certification for development of 1c LPDDR6 after unveiling the product at CES in January.

The product mainly targets mobile devices equipped with on-device AI. On-device AI is a technology that processes AI functions on the device itself without relying on external server computing, offering advantages in response speed and personalised services. SK hynix said it has comprehensively improved the speed and power efficiency of 1c LPDDR6 compared with the previous generation to target this market.

Data processing speed rose 33 percent versus the previous generation LPDDR5X by expanding bandwidth. The base operating speed is at least 10.7 gigabits per second, exceeding the maximum of existing products. Power consumption was reduced by more than 20 percent versus the previous generation by applying a sub-channel architecture and DVFS, or dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, technology.

The sub-channel architecture selectively operates only the required data paths. DVFS is a power management technology that adjusts voltage and frequency depending on the chip’s operating conditions, running at maximum bandwidth in high-spec environments such as gaming and lowering frequency and voltage during normal use to reduce power consumption. The company said it expects the changes to extend battery life and improve multitasking performance.

SK hynix plans to complete preparations for mass production within the first half and supply the product from the second half. It plans to expand its lineup of general-purpose memory products specialised for AI implementation to meet demand from global mobile customers. An SK hynix official said, "We will continue to supply AI memory solutions to the market in a timely manner together with customers to provide differentiated value to on-device AI users."