China’s CXMT says new memory-chip platform enters mass production as it takes on global chip giants

Chinese DRAM chipmaker CXMT announced on September 20 that its fifth-generation memory-chip platform has entered mass production, a breakthrough that could challenge global giants such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology. DRAM, or dynamic random-access memory, is used by phones, computers, and other devices for short-term data storage.

The new platform aims to manufacture more powerful and efficient memory chips at lower costs and with reduced power consumption. CXMT, China's leading DRAM producer, claims the new platform achieves increased data storage density and improved manufacturing efficiency. By packing data storage structures closer together, the platform enables more memory to fit on each chip and allows for a higher number of individual chips to be produced from each silicon wafer.

The Hefei-based company reduced the spacing of key features in the memory storage part of the chip to 11.95 nm using "quadruple patterning," a manufacturing process that repeats several steps to create finer circuit patterns. CXMT also unveiled two 24-gigabit LPDDR5X products made on the new platform, which hold 50% more data than its previous equivalents and are already in mass production for smartphones and portable electronics.

The platform can produce at least 50% more gross chip dies per wafer than its fourth-generation platform, according to CXMT. This development comes as China aims to lessen its dependence on foreign semiconductor technology, with US export controls since 2022 limiting access to advanced chipmaking equipment and software.