2xx-Layer Products from Samsung, SK hynix, Micron, and YMTC
A Comparison of 3D NAND Vertical Cell Efficiency (VCE)
The advancements in 3D NAND technology have ushered in a new era of high-capacity, high-efficiency data storage solutions. Among the latest offerings are the multi-layer 3D NAND products from leading manufacturers such as Samsung, SK hynix, Micron, and YMTC. Vertical Cell Efficiency (VCE) is a crucial metric in evaluating these technologies, as it measures the percentage of active cells among the total gates in a NAND string. Higher VCE values indicate better process integration, a lower aspect ratio, and enhanced overall efficiency. For instance, the SK hynix 238-layer 512 Gb 3D NAND chip, found in their 2TB SSD PC811, demonstrates a high VCE with a compact die size and impressive bit density.
Samsung has consistently led the industry with the highest VCE across multiple generations of their 3D NAND products. Their latest multi-layer V-NAND boasts an impressive VCE, building on previous generations known for their efficiency. Micron and YMTC also showcase strong VCE figures in their products, reflecting significant advancements in reducing the number of dummy gates, passing gates, and select gates, thereby optimizing vertical cell efficiency.
In comparison, KIOXIA’s 3D NAND exhibits a slightly lower VCE, indicating potential areas for improvement. The competitive landscape underscores the importance of ongoing innovation in 3D NAND technology to enhance VCE and overall performance. As the technology evolves, we can anticipate further improvements and breakthroughs that will drive the next generation of data storage solutions. The relentless pursuit of higher VCE values by industry leaders such as Samsung, SK hynix, Micron, and YMTC promises to shape the future of 3D NAND technology, providing more efficient and powerful storage options for various applications.