Korea-based SK hynix has developed PIM, a next-generation memory chip with computing capabilities.
Breaking the myth that memory chips store data while CPU or GPU process data like human brain, SK hynix has made a breakthrough solution with the development of the latest technology. The company will showcase the new PIM development at the 2022 ISSCC semiconductor conference, in San Francisco at the end of this month.
SK hynix will continuously put efforts into innovation for this technology to bring the memory-centric computing, in which semiconductor memory plays a central role, a step closer to the reality in devices such as smartphones.
For the first product that adopts the PIM technology, SK hynix has developed a sample of GDDR6-AiM (Accelerator in memory). The GDDR6-AiM adds computational functions to GDDR6 memory chips, which process data at 16Gbps. A combination of GDDR6-AiM with CPU or GPU instead of a typical DRAM makes certain computation speed 16 times faster. GDDR6-AiM is widely expected to be adopted for machine learning, high-performance computing, and big data computation and storage.
GDDR6-AiM runs on 1.25V, lower than the existing product’s operating voltage of 1.35V. In addition, the PIM reduces data movement to the CPU and GPU, reducing power consumption by 80%. This, accordingly, helps SK hynix meet its commitment to ESG management by reducing carbon emissions of the devices that adopt this product.
SK hynix also plans to introduce a technology that combines GDDR6-AiM with AI chips in collaboration with SAPEON Inc., an AI chip company that recently spun off from SK Telecom.
“The use of artificial neural network data has increased rapidly recently, requiring computing technology optimized for computational characteristics,” said Ryu Soo-jung, CEO of SAPEON Inc. “We aim to maximize efficiency in data calculation, costs, and energy use by combining technologies from the two companies.”
Ahn Hyun, Head of Solution Development who spearheaded the development of the latest technology and product, said that “SK hynix will build a new memory solution ecosystem using GDDR6-AiM, which has its own computing function.” He added that “the company will continue to evolve its business model and the direction for technology development.”
