China Embarks Once Again on the Road to DRAM Developmental Independence
July 1, 2019 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
DRAMeXchange , a division of TrendForce , says that Tsinghua Unigroup's official statement on June 30th has revealed its newly composed DRAM group, with Diao Shijing, former director of the Electronic Information Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as the group's Chairman and Charles Kao as CEO. This forms a new milestone for China on the road to developmental independency of DRAM products after the US put JHICC on the Entity List.
According to TrendForce's estimations, although Tsinghua's DRAM group is still in its early stages, it already possesses plant-constructing experience derived from Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC), with no major changes to the team of construction workers, and will have no difficulty in completing the construction of new DRAM facilities. Location-wise, TsingHua Unigroup is not only in the process of constructing a plant in Nanjing, but is also working closely with Chongqing, which may become a new plant site option. In technology, TsingHua Unigroup's IC design company, Unigroup Guoxin Microelectronics Co., is well versed in the development of DRAM products, and will contribute to the development of its DRAM group, should it be assimilated into Tsinghua. What Tsinghua currently lacks is DRAM process technology,an area hopefully to be shored up through the connections of its new CEO.
Observing the development of China's memory industry since 2014, we see the establishment of Big Fund and investments by local governments, culminating in the emergence of Innotron Memory and JHICC within the DRAM industry. YMTC formed the backbone of NAND flash industry development, but we also hear news of Foxconn Semiconductors' plans to enter the DRAM business after it announced in 2018 the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with the Zhuhai government and a subsequent 12-inch semiconductor fab construction in Zhuhai. There has yet to be further news as of now.
TrendForce points out that this is not Tsinghua's first attempt to enter the DRAM industry. Tsinghua had already expressed its resolve to develop DRAMs back in 2014, later confirming to instead pursue NAND flash development for the sake of balanced development industry-wise and region-wise . This put an abrupt end to DRAM development. The reasons for Tsinghua Unigroup current decision to embark once again on DRAM development may be analyzed as follows: First, the road to mass production and future development were fraught with difficulties due to JHICC's plant becoming partly idle after JHICC was put on the Entity List by the US last year, and the termination of its cooperation agreement with UMC. Secondly, although Innotron Memory attended the GSA Memory+Conference in May and is expected to mass produce 8Gb DRAM product by this year-end, a single DRAM plant is insufficient to meet China's goal of reaching autonomy in DRAM product development. This is especially so since it has become a critical issue for China to possess a product that may connect and compete with the world after trade frictions appeared between itself and the US.
About TrendForce
TrendForce is a global provider of the latest development, insight, and analysis of the technology industry. Having served businesses for over a decade, the company has built up a strong membership base of 435,000 subscribers. TrendForce has established a reputation as an organization that offers insightful and accurate analysis of the technology industry through five major research divisions: DRAMeXchange, WitsView, LEDinside, EnergyTrend and Topology. Founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 2000, TrendForce has extended its presence in China since 2004 with offices in Shenzhen and Beijing.
Suggested Items
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Going Vertical: SCHMID's Advanced Solutions for Printed Circuit Boards
04/24/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Marcy LaRont chats with Bob Ferguson, the president of SCHMID, about advanced solutions for PCBs and the equipment they are highlighting at this year's show. He delves into vertical no-touch handling systems and the prospect of achieving sub-10-micron lines. Inspired by SCHMID's technology, Bob expresses excitement about where the industry is today.
Big Win for Defense Production Act Budget Allocation in FY24 Budget
04/23/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamOne year ago, President Biden issued a determination that chips and packaging are critical for national security. Since that time, much work has been done to continue the conversation in Washington, elevating the importance of the entire chips value chain, and including printed circuit boards and substrates, without which chips cannot operate.
Zentech’s Board of Directors Announces the Return of Matt Turpin as President and CEO
04/22/2024 | Zentech ManufacturingTurpin draws upon over 35 years of experience in the electronics industry and has an 18-year history with Zentech. He previously served as President and CEO from 2006 to 2019 after which time he has remained active in the EMS industry as an advisor to Zentech and other industry organizations.