SK hynix Validates LPDDR6, Mass Production in H2

On March 10, SK hynix announced that it has successfully developed a 16Gb LPDDR6 DRAM built on its latest sixth-generation 10nm-class (1c) process technology, marking a significant step forward in next-generation mobile memory designed for on-device AI applications.

The company first showcased the product at CES in January last year, and recently completed what it describes as the world’s first development validation of 1c-based LPDDR6. SK hynix plans to finalize preparations for mass production in the first half of this year and begin supplying the memory in the second half, expanding its conventional DRAM lineup optimized for artificial intelligence workloads. The new 1c LPDDR6 is primarily intended for mobile devices equipped with on-device AI capabilities, including smartphones and tablets.

To support the growing demand for edge AI computing, the LPDDR6 chip delivers significant improvements in both performance and power efficiency compared with existing LPDDR5X products. Thanks to expanded bandwidth and increased data transfer per unit time, the new memory achieves 33% faster data processing performance than the previous generation. Its base operating speed exceeds 10.7 Gbps, surpassing the maximum speed available in current products.

Power efficiency has also been improved through the adoption of a sub-channel architecture and DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling) technology. Together, these innovations reduce power consumption by more than 20% compared with the previous generation.

According to SK hynix, the sub-channel architecture allows the memory to selectively activate only the necessary data paths, improving efficiency during operation. Meanwhile, DVFS dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency based on workload conditions. For example, in demanding scenarios such as high-performance gaming, the system can raise the DVFS level to deliver maximum bandwidth, while during everyday tasks it lowers frequency and voltage to minimize energy consumption.

Through these technological improvements, SK hynix aims to deliver longer battery life and smoother multitasking performance for consumers. The company also plans to align future production with market demand as it prepares to meet the evolving needs of global mobile users in the era of AI-driven devices.