Samsung Achieves Breakthrough with 400-Layer NAND Technology
Samsung Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor memory, has successfully completed the development of its 400-layer NAND flash technology and is now introducing it into mass production, according to BusinessKorea.
Samsung Electronics, a global leader in semiconductor memory, has successfully completed the development of its 400-layer NAND flash technology and is now introducing it into mass production, according to BusinessKorea.
Advancing to the Frontier of NAND Technology
The groundbreaking innovation was achieved at Samsung's Semiconductor Research Institute, with the transition to large-scale production beginning last month at the company’s Pyeongtaek Plant 1. Industry experts believe this advancement positions Samsung at the forefront of NAND flash memory technology, enabling it to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving storage market.
Samsung plans to showcase its 1Tb 400-layer TLC NAND flash memory at the upcoming 2025 International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) in February. Mass production is slated for the second half of 2024, though insiders suggest an earlier ramp-up by the end of Q2 if production is expedited.
Pioneering "Triple-Stacking" Technology
The new 400-layer NAND utilizes a triple-stacking architecture, a significant leap in NAND technology that allows storage cells to be stacked in three layers. This advancement not only enhances storage density but also cements Samsung's leadership in pushing the boundaries of NAND flash innovation.
Expanding Production Capacities for Advanced Products
In addition to the 400-layer NAND, Samsung is gearing up to expand its production lines for advanced storage solutions:
- The company will install new 9th-generation NAND flash production facilities (286-layer technology) at the Pyeongtaek complex, with a monthly capacity of 30,000–40,000 wafers.
- Samsung’s Xi’an facility in China will continue its conversion from 128-layer (V6) to 236-layer (V8) NAND flash production, further scaling its manufacturing capabilities.
Market Leadership and Outlook
As the largest NAND flash supplier globally, Samsung holds a dominant position in the market. According to TrendForce, the global NAND flash industry achieved $17.6 billion in revenue in Q3 2024, with Samsung accounting for $6.2 billion, maintaining its leading position.
Despite a 5% decline in shipment volumes for enterprise SSDs and mobile products in Q3, Samsung’s ASP (average selling price) increased, enabling stable quarter-over-quarter revenue. Industry analysts attribute this stability to robust demand for enterprise-level SSDs, especially in North America.
