Intel and Micron struggling with poor QLC NAND flash memory yields

Posted on Thursday, August 30 2018 @ 10:24 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

TweakTown heard whispers that yields of Intel and Micron's jointly developed 64-layer QLC NAND flash memory are hovering around 48 percent. The implication here is that deployment of QLC NAND flash isn't going to happen fast. As it stands right now, 64-layer QLC is more expensive to manufacture than 64-layer TLC, which currently has yields of around 90 percent.

A source close to the situation stated the current yield for 64-layer QLC is hovering right around 48%. Less than half of the die manufactured are reliable enough to use in an SSD. In contrast, current 64-layer TLC from IMFT has a yield right around 90% as of today. Usually companies work to increase yields over time but the push to finish more profitable 96-layer flash may divert engineering resources away from 64-layer QLC.

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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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