[사설] Memory should also be tense-e-Newspaper

US Micron Technology is mass-producing ’10-nano class 4th generation DRAM’ (hereinafter referred to as 1a DRAM). It was faster than Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Compared to the existing 10-nano-class 3rd generation (1z) products, the degree of integration is improved by 40% and power efficiency is improved by 15%. Micron is the first in the world DRAM memory semiconductor industry to ship 1a DRAM. 1a DRAM refers to the 4th generation DRAM produced through a 10-nanometer (nm) process.

The interest is that Micron commercialized 1a DRAM ahead of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which ranked first in the DRAM industry. The timing of mass production of 1a DRAM by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix is ​​in the second half of this year. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are building related facilities to apply the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) process to 1a DRAM. Micron is known to have mass-produced this 1a DRAM with the existing argon fluoride (ArF) process without using EUV.

This is the first time in 30 years since Samsung Electronics became the number one in the world of DRAM, it allowed the pursuit. Of course, in semiconductors, not only the timing of mass production, but also a number of competitive factors are at play, experts analysts say that at least in the next-generation memory development, Micron seems to be faster. Micron also launched the industry’s highest 176-layer NAND flash last year. It is clear that Micron, which is the 3rd place in the DRAM market and 5th place in the NAND flash market, is not serious about Korea’s memory chase.

Korea may also be caught up in the pursuit of latecomers. Micron’s actions should be read as a precursor. The news of Micron’s successive releases feels cool. Companies are also in a tense atmosphere. The semiconductor sector should be accompanied by a huge preemptive investment that has looked ahead several years. It seems that many investment environments do not support this. We hope that the government will also recognize the seriousness of the problem.