Samsung mass producing new memory package

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Samsung mass producing new memory package

Published: 04 Feb. 2015, 20:43

Samsung Electronics said it is close to commercializing the first single memory package ePoP (embedded package on package), a memory chip that is 40 percent smaller than previous versions, allowing it to be installed in slimmer high-end smartphones.

The memory card has 3GB of mobile DRAM, a 32GB embedded multimedia card and a controller.

The ePoP, which combines all essential memory components into a single package, can be stacked on top of the application processor, which saves more space than existing two-package eMCP memory cards.

Phone manufacturers can use the extra space for components such as the battery pack.

A conventional PoP, made up of the mobile processor and DRAM paired with a separate eMMC package, takes up 374.5 square millimeters, so it is too large to fit directly onto the 225-square-millimeter mobile processor.

“By offering our new high-density ePoP memory for flagship smartphones, Samsung expects to provide its customers with significant design benefits, while enabling faster and longer operation of multitasking features,” said Baek Jee-ho, senior vice president of memory marketing at the tech company.

“We plan to expand our lineup of ePoP memory with packages involving enhancements in performance and density over the next few years to add to the growth of the premium mobile market.”

According to Samsung, the ePoP satisfies consumers’ demand for speed, energy efficiency and compactness.

Although Samsung Electronics has been losing ground in the premium smartphone market to Apple and in the low-end market to Chinese manufacturers, it is vying to stay competitive with strategic products such as ePoP.

Samsung has been producing a similar single-package solution for wearable devices, which it calls wearable memory.

Local analysts predict that Samsung’s memory business and non-memory sector will see their profitability improve in the first quarter as the company expands the use of its own application processor, Exynos.

“According to the increase in demand for Samsung’s own AP Exynos, and developments in memory and non-memory businesses, Samsung’s profitability will likely improve in the first half,” said Kim Young-chan, an analyst at Shinhan Investment.

“The new configuration for phones can be easily customized not only for use in flagship smartphones but also in other sophisticated mobile devices such as high-end tablets and in collaboration with global mobile companies,” said a spokesman for Samsung.

BY KIM JUNG-YOON [kjy@joongang.co.kr]