140-layer 3D NAND flash expected by 2021

Posted on Wednesday, May 16 2018 @ 11:54 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Applied Materials revealed some details about the future of the 3D NAND flash memory market at Japan's International Memory Workshop (IMW). The company expects that by 2021, flash makers will be shipping products with 140-layers, up from the 96-layers used this year. The use of more layers enables more bits to be crammed in the same area, resulting in higher densities and lower costs.
Increased numbers of layers will allow for increased die densities whilst keeping the same PCB real-estate and implementation area; at the same time, which is something the industry is craving for as data-sets only continue to increase in size. Before 2021 and its 140-layer NAND comes (which will require new fabrication materials), 90-layer solutions are expected to be launched this year, with a 20% decrease in layer height, down from its current 60 nm to 55 nm, which will allow for relatively stable stack heights, even as the number of layers increases significantly (by around 40% compared to 64-layer tech).
3D NAND roadmap

Via: TPU


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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