Chinese memory giant Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. is making waves in the technology world. Reports indicate they recently launched their 5th Generation of 3D NAND memory to customers. This chip boasts an incredible 294 layers, including 232 active layers. This advancement continues to push boundaries within NAND technology.
YMTC 3D NAND Chip: Industry Analysis
These new chips have reached industry analysts at TechInsights. @Jukanlosreve reported initial findings. YMTC has not just caught up to industry leaders in bit density, it has achieved record-breaking vertical gate density. This is a significant accomplishment for a company operating under US sanctions.
Technical Deep Dive: Punching Above Its Weight
YMTC's new chip features a confirmed total of 294 layers, according to TechInsights. This is the highest count in any commercially available product currently. The 232 active layer count is consistent with their 4th generation NAND. The total layer increase may be a strategy to enhance production yields through redundancy or enable new functionalities.
Like previous generations, this 5th Gen NAND uses string stacking. This method involves combining complex vertically built structures. It remains unclear if YMTC uses two approximately 147-layer arrays or another configuration. Regardless, 294 layers represent a major achievement for YMTC and the NAND flash industry.
YMTC NAND Generations Comparison
| Generation | Model | Organization | Architecture | Active Layers | Total Layers | String Stacking | String Stacking (Total Layers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | X0-A030 | MLC | Conventional | 32 | 39 | - | - |
| G2 | X1-9050 | TLC | Xtacking 1.0 | 64 | 73 | - | - |
| G3 | X2-9060 | TLC | Xtacking 1.0 | 64 | 73 | - | - |
| G3 | X2-6070 | QLC | Xtacking 2.0 | 128 | 141 | 2x64L | L69+U72 |
| G4 | Test | - | Xtacking 3.0 | 192/196 | 196 | ? | ? |
| G4 | X3-9060 | TLC | Xtacking 3.0 | 128 | 141 | 2x64L | L69+U72 |
| G4 | X3-9070 | TLC | Xtacking 3.0 | 232 | 253 | 2x116L | L128+U125 |
| G4 | X3-6070 | QLC | Xtacking 3.0 | 128 | ? | 2x64L | ? |
| G5 | X4-9060 | TLC | Xtacking 4.0 | 128 | ? | 2x64L | ? |
| G5 | X4-9070 | TLC | Xtacking 4.0 | 232 | ? | 2x116L | ? |
| G6 (?) | ? | TLC | ? | 232 | ? | Row 11 - Cell 7 |
Density and Competition in NAND Market
While 232 active layers is not a record itself, as SK hynix has a 321-layer chip, it places YMTC as a strong competitor. YMTC's bit density exceeds 20 Gb/mm², matching SK hynix and only slightly trailing Kioxia/Western Digital's QLC NAND. YMTC demonstrates it is not just catching up; it is actively pushing technology limits.
NAND Layer Count Comparison
| Micron | Samsung | WD/Kioxia | SK hynix | YMTC | YMTC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | Gen 6 | V9 | BiCS 8 | Generation 9? | ? | Xtacking 3.0/Gen 4 |
| Number of Layers | 232-Layer | 290-Layer (?) | 218-Layer | 321-Layer | 232-layer | 232-Layer |
| Density per square mm | 14.6 Gb mm^2 | 17 Gb mm^2 | 22.9 Gb mm^2 (?) | 20 mm^2 | > 20 Gb mm^2 | 19.8 Gb mm^2 |
| Architecture | TLC | TLC | QLC | TLC | TLC | QLC |
| Die Capacity | 1 Tb | 1 Tb | 2 Tb | 1 Tb | 1Tb | 1 Tb |
| Interface Speed | Up to 2400 MT/s | Up to 3200 MT/s | Up to 3600 MT/s | ? | ? | ? |
| Next-Gen (release date) | 3xx (unknown) | 3xx (unknown) | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Xtacking 4.0 and Hybrid Bonding
YMTC continues to utilize its Xtacking architecture, now version 4.0, with hybrid bonding technology in these 5th Generation chips. Separating the memory array manufacturing from CMOS logic optimizes density and performance. This is crucial to YMTC's production of high-performance SSDs that often rival or outperform competitors.
Quiet Launch and Market Implications
YMTC did not officially announce this 5th Generation NAND. This quiet shipment may be a strategic move to avoid further scrutiny or potential sanctions from the US government. It highlights the geopolitical complexities within the semiconductor industry.
The 232-layer 3D NAND with 294 gates presents a promising platform for YMTC and China's semiconductor ambitions. Future shipments of Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest will show IFS progress. The quiet launch speaks volumes about the current climate. However, the message is clear: YMTC is a significant player in the global NAND market.
