SK Hynix Launches Mass Production of World’s First 321-Layer 4D NAND Flash Using TLC Technology

SK Hynix has been making impressive strides in the realm of NAND flash production, now boasting a design with a staggering 321 layers in its latest 4D NAND, marking a significant 35% increase in layers.

Advancing with 321-Layer Technology: Leading the Way in Mass Production

In a bold move, SK Hynix, a key player in memory and storage solutions, has kicked off the mass production of its groundbreaking 321-layer TLC NAND. This innovation in Triple-Level Cell NAND, which hit the scene last year, is equipped with 1 TB memory chips aimed at delivering high-capacity storage solutions.

Image Source: SK Hynix

Originally slated for mass production in the first quarter of 2025, SK Hynix has managed to roll it out months ahead of schedule. Touted as the world’s first NAND to soar to 321 layers, it boasts a 35% increase in layer count from its predecessor. This leap not only enhances storage capacity but also boosts reliability.

The journey to surpassing the 300-layer mark was accomplished using their innovative "3 Plugs" process technology, which involves creating vertical holes in the substrate layers to form memory cells. To prevent wafer deformation, a low-stress material is utilized, and coupled with Alignment Correction Technology, this ensures precise production outcomes.

SK Hynix reveals that this 321-layer NAND delivers a 12% boost in data transfer speeds, a 13% enhancement in read performance, and over a 10% improvement in power efficiency during reads. These advancements translate to extended battery life for devices, and they yield a 59% increase in productivity thanks to various manufacturing optimizations.

"Our journey towards becoming a full-fledged AI Memory Provider is accelerated with this unbeatable portfolio in ultra-high performance NAND, complementing our DRAM sector spearheaded by HBM."
— Jungdal Choi, Head of NAND Development at SK Hynix

With its latest 4D NAND, SK Hynix is setting its sights on AI-centric applications, particularly ones requiring low power usage. As the demand for AI soars, AI Data Centers, which rely on SSDs for rapid data processing, stand to gain immensely from the performance enhancements of the 321-layer NAND.

This launch propels SK Hynix ahead of rivals like Samsung and Micron, who remain locked in fierce competition to deliver top-tier NAND solutions in the industry.