China announces breakthrough in memory chip production
Chinese semiconductor manufacturer CXMT has launched mass production of memory chips on a fifth-generation technology platform.
The company claims that the new technology has made it possible to reduce the distance between key elements of memory cells to 11.95 nanometers. This is achieved using a multiple patterning method for chip fabrication.
On the new platform, CXMT is already producing two 24-gigabit LPDDR5X chips intended primarily for smartphones and other portable electronics. They are able to store 50% more data than comparable products from the company's previous generation.
In addition, the new technology makes it possible to obtain at least 50% more dies from a single silicon wafer.
CXMT stated that in terms of technological capabilities the company is now on a par with the most advanced solutions used in mass production.
The development is of particular importance against the backdrop of U.S. restrictions that since 2022 have made it difficult for China to access advanced equipment and software for semiconductor manufacturing.
The global DRAM market is dominated by South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix, as well as America's Micron. China is seeking to reduce its dependence on foreign manufacturers and technologies.
