- SoftBank and Intel Low power memory plan to compete with the South Korean HBM
- Saimemory aims at launch in 2030 but faces major market delays
- Intel and SoftBank are already extended on AI fleas and technological investments
Softbank and Intel would have been associated with developing a new type of high-ended bandwidth memory focused on AI which, in hope, will compete with HBM products produced by the southern Samsung and SK Hynix South Korean technology.
A report of Nikkei AsiaAffirms that the pair aims to create dram chips stacked with a new wiring structure which reduces energy consumption by half, compared to current HBM chips.
The initiative will be led by a new company called Saimemory, with an expected prototype within two years, and the targeted marketing before 2030.
Too little too late?
Despite the technical ambition, the calendar poses a serious challenge. Samsung and SK Hynix are already several generations of products to come and comfortably dominate the world HBM market. When Saimemory brings his alternative to the market, existing players are likely to have extended their advance.
A SoftBank leader said Nikkei Asia That if the project succeeds, “we want the priority for the offer”, reflecting the way in which the effort remains at the early stage.
Memory is intended to be used in AI data centers, where energy consumption and high speed are increasing concerns. Softbank hopes that the new fleas will support the formation of AI on a large scale more efficiently and at a lower cost.
Stronger interior supply chains could also reduce Japan’s dependence on Korean suppliers.
Nikkei Asia Note Japan once held more than 70% of the global dram market but came out while South Korean and Taiwanese players have increased. Elpida, the last manufacturer of Japanese Dram, went bankrupt in 2012 and was acquired by Micron, who himself is currently looking for a larger slice of the HBM pie of $ 100 billion.
SoftBank is the biggest investor in Saimemory, with a participation of 3 billion yen in the 10 billion yen project. Intel contributes to technology, while the University of Tokyo and other Japanese university institutions provide patents. Government’s support is also taken into account.
Although it is a promising company, SoftBank and Intel are on their own on their plates at the moment. Intel manages its expansion of the foundry, pushes the fleas ai and tries to recover the market share of the processor. SoftBank focuses on arms growth and expanding its IA investment portfolio.
