Apple has turned to Samsung Electronics to fill NAND flash orders as Hynix Semiconductors, which Apple had placed orders with originally, has run into problems with its 60nm multi-level cell (MLC) process, according to memory module makers.

Hynix' 60nm MLC process began seeing production issues beginning in June. Although several controller IC suppliers have claimed that they have total solutions to enable the NAND flash chips to work normally, few suppliers have been able to solve the problem completely, said the memory module makers. These chips have still been showing lots of problems during testing, noted the memory makers.

Since Samsung Electronics had problems with its 64nm process in the second half of 2006, controller IC suppliers now are more cautious when facing this kind of issue, the makers pointed out.

As SLC is easier to produce, Hynix's 57nm SLC (single-level cell) process is expected to enter volume production smoothly in the future, said controller IC suppliers.

Some memory makers expect Hynix's 60nm manufacturing process problems will be solved by September

By: DocMemory
Copyright © 2023 CST, Inc. All Rights Reserved