[Peace&Chips] Samsung Electronics Seriously Committed to Developing Next-Generation 'M RAM'

Next-Generation Memory Combining Advantages of DRAM and NAND
Samsung Electronics Develops Embedded M-RAM Process Technology
Aiming to Strengthen Foundry Competitiveness in Automotive Sector
8nm Scheduled for 2026, 5nm Announced for 2027

This week, Samsung Electronics introduced its 'embedded M RAM (eMRAM)' business. Jung Ki-tae, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Foundry Division, attended a semiconductor event and said that they are focusing on developing eMRAM technology, stating, "We have completed the development of the 14㎚ (nanometer; 1㎚ = one billionth of a meter) process, and the 8㎚ process is almost complete." He also announced, "We will continue technology development up to 5㎚."

M RAM is an unfamiliar name to many since it is not commonly heard, but it is a type of memory semiconductor similar to DRAM, which has a similar name. It boasts fast read and write speeds and low power consumption. Unlike volatile memory like DRAM, where information disappears when power is turned off, M RAM is non-volatile memory like NAND flash, meaning information does not disappear. Since it combines the advantages of the two main types of memory, DRAM and NAND, it is considered one of the next-generation memory technologies in the industry.

Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus view / Photo by Samsung Electronics

As the abbreviation 'Magnetic Random Access Memory' suggests, M RAM is based on magnetic changes. While DRAM stores information in cells that contain capacitors (which temporarily store electricity), M RAM uses unit cells called Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJ). It stores information through changes in the resistance of the magnetic MTJ. Recently, the development of Spin Transfer Torque (STT)-MRAM, an upgraded version of M RAM technology, is also underway.

In Samsung Electronics' case, they are developing eMRAM process technology based on STT-MRAM to enhance their foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) competitiveness. As the need for embedded memory that stores and processes data inside system semiconductors such as microcontrollers (MCU) and system-on-chip (SoC) grows, technology development is essential. The company particularly expects the use of eMRAM to increase in the automotive sector and is accelerating technology development accordingly.

In fact, Samsung Electronics revealed its foundry business roadmap for the automotive sector at a foundry event held in Germany last October. According to this roadmap, the development of 14㎚ eMRAM technology is expected to be completed this year, with 8㎚ and 5㎚ technologies planned to be introduced in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Comparing this with the current situation, the 14㎚ development is on schedule, and the 8㎚ development is progressing faster than expected. The 8㎚ process is said to improve integration density by 30% and speed by 33% compared to the 14㎚ process.

Editor's NoteSemiconductors, often called the rice of modern industry. Although we hear the term every day, it can be hard to explain. Peace & Chips will make the complex concepts and overall trends of the semiconductor industry easy to understand. Just take a spoonful and enjoy.