Samsung's 9th Gen V-NAND: 300+ Layers in Dual-Stacked Design

Recent reports underscore remarkable advancements achieved by Samsung in the realm of electronic components, specifically focusing on NAND flash technology. This forward momentum places Samsung in a leading position, outpacing its counterpart, SK Hynix. SK Hynix had earlier revealed plans to commence large-scale production of its 321-layer NAND flash, utilizing a triple-stacked architecture, by the first half of 2025. In contrast, Samsung had already introduced a dual-stacked architecture in 2020, which facilitated the production of the 7th generation V-NAND flash chips.

The imminent production of Samsung's ninth-generation V-NAND, comprising over 300 layers, promises to significantly enhance storage density on individual wafers. This development is expected to substantially impact the cost-effectiveness of solid-state drives (SSDs), presenting a favorable scenario for the broader technology landscape.

Conversely, SK Hynix's triple-stacked architecture involves the creation of three distinct sets of 3D NAND layers. This approach necessitates additional production steps and a heightened utilization of raw materials, all aimed at optimizing overall output.

A report from the "Seoul Economic Daily" reveals insights from industry experts, suggesting that following the rollout of Samsung's ninth-generation 3D NAND, the company might embrace a triple-stacked architecture for its upcoming tenth-generation 430-layer 3D NAND. As per the report, industry insiders anticipate that exceeding the 400-layer threshold in 3D NAND might lead to escalated raw material consumption and wafer costs. However, this strategy aims to ensure a higher yield of production.

During the "2022 Samsung Tech Day" held in October of the preceding year, Samsung outlined an ambitious long-term vision. The company aims to elevate the layer count to an impressive 1000 layers by the year 2030. This aspiration underscores Samsung's steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic component technology, thus contributing to the continuous evolution of the industry.