Biznab
𝕏fin

Samsung Develops World's First 900-Layer V-NAND Flash Memory Chip

Samsung has achieved a milestone in memory technology by developing the world's first 900-layer V-NAND flash memory chip prototype. The new chip offers significantly higher storage density and performance compared to previous generations.

Biznab Editor
·
Samsung Develops World's First 900-Layer V-NAND Flash Memory Chip

Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday that it has developed the industry's first 900-layer V-NAND flash memory chip. The prototype marks a significant advancement in 3D NAND technology, which stacks memory cells vertically to increase density without enlarging the physical footprint. Samsung expects the new chip to enable higher-capacity solid-state drives (SSDs) for data centers and consumer electronics.

The 900-layer V-NAND chip utilizes Samsung's proprietary triple-level cell (TLC) architecture, storing three bits per cell. The company achieved the high layer count through advanced etching and deposition techniques, allowing for precise stacking of conductive and insulating layers. Samsung claims the chip delivers a 20% improvement in data transfer speeds and a 30% reduction in power consumption compared to its previous 512-layer V-NAND.

Samsung's V-NAND technology has evolved rapidly since the introduction of the first 24-layer chip in 2013. The 900-layer prototype represents a doubling of layers from the 512-layer V-NAND introduced in 2020. The company stated that the new chip is designed to meet the growing demand for high-capacity storage in AI, cloud computing, and big data applications.

The prototype chip has a storage capacity of 1 terabit (128 GB) per die, enabling a single SSD with multiple dies to reach capacities exceeding 100 terabytes. Samsung plans to begin mass production of the 900-layer V-NAND in 2025, with initial samples expected to be delivered to key customers later this year. The company did not disclose pricing details but indicated that the cost per gigabyte would be lower than current NAND flash products.

Samsung's announcement comes as competitors like SK Hynix and Micron are also pushing toward higher layer counts. SK Hynix recently introduced a 321-layer NAND chip, while Micron has shipped its 232-layer product. Samsung's 900-layer chip gives it a potential lead in the race for ultra-high-density storage solutions.

The new V-NAND chip is expected to be used in enterprise SSDs for data centers, where power efficiency and density are critical. Samsung also sees applications in consumer SSDs, smartphones, and other portable devices, though the high layer count may initially be cost-prohibitive for mass-market products. The company is working on a quad-level cell (QLC) version of the 900-layer V-NAND to further increase storage density.

Samsung emphasized that the 900-layer V-NAND is a result of its continued investment in R&D and manufacturing capabilities. The company operates multiple fabrication facilities dedicated to NAND flash production, including its plant in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Samsung stated that the new chip will help solidify its position as the world's largest NAND flash memory supplier.

"This achievement demonstrates our leadership in 3D NAND technology and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of memory innovation," said a Samsung spokesperson. The company plans to showcase the 900-layer V-NAND prototype at the upcoming Flash Memory Summit in August 2024. Mass production is slated to begin in the first half of 2025.

💡 Try our tool for this topic

Image Resizer

Resize photos to any dimension

Block Rush Pro
Block Rush Pro
Next Story

YouTube Music Tests Playlist Sorting by Title, Artist, Album

YouTube Music has begun testing new sorting options for playlists, allowing users to organize tracks by title, artist, or album. The feature is currently available to a limited group of users.

Biznab Editor
·
YouTube Music Tests Playlist Sorting by Title, Artist, Album

YouTube Music is rolling out a test that introduces new sorting capabilities for playlists. Users can now arrange songs within a playlist by title, artist, or album, offering more flexibility in how they navigate their music collections. The update aims to address a long-standing request from subscribers who wanted greater control over playlist organization.

The sorting options appear as a dropdown menu within the playlist view. Selecting a category instantly reorders the track list alphabetically or numerically based on the chosen criterion. For example, sorting by artist groups songs by the performer's name, while sorting by album organizes tracks by their respective album titles.

This feature is currently in a limited testing phase, meaning only a subset of YouTube Music users have access. The company has not announced a wide release date or provided details on whether the sorting will extend to other areas of the app, such as the library or search results.

Playlist management has been a focus for YouTube Music as it competes with rivals like Spotify and Apple Music. The platform has gradually added features such as collaborative playlists and smart downloads. The new sorting options could help users better manage large playlists, especially those with hundreds of tracks.

Some users have reported seeing the sorting feature on both the Android and iOS versions of the app. However, it does not appear to be tied to a specific server-side update, suggesting it may be enabled through an A/B test. YouTube Music has not confirmed the feature's existence beyond user reports.

For now, users who do not see the sorting options will have to wait for a broader rollout. The company typically tests features with small groups before expanding availability based on feedback and performance metrics.

YouTube Music continues to refine its platform to attract and retain subscribers. The addition of playlist sorting aligns with efforts to enhance user experience and compete more effectively in the streaming music market.

As of now, no official statement from YouTube regarding the feature's future has been released. Users can expect updates through the app's changelog or official blog posts.

Fireball Burn
Fireball Burn
Next Story

NASA Awards Contracts for Lunar Rovers, Advancing Moon Base Plans

NASA awarded contracts to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to build rovers for its planned lunar base, with deliveries expected by 2028. The rovers, each costing over $200 million, will have a 200 km range and autonomous capabilities.

Biznab Editor
·
NASA Awards Contracts for Lunar Rovers, Advancing Moon Base Plans

NASA officials announced contract awards for the initial elements of a lunar base on Tuesday, including two rovers that will provide mobility to astronauts. With the series of announcements, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman sought to maintain momentum around a Moon Base initiative revealed two months ago as part of the space agency's return to the Moon. "For those waiting patiently, the grand return is close at hand, and we will not slow down," he said.

The manager for the lunar base, Carlos Garcia-Galan, said the space agency had selected two companies, Astrolab and Lunar Outpost, to build approximately one-ton rovers that would be ready for delivery to the Moon in 2028. Astrolab will receive $219 million for its "CLV-1" rover, and Lunar Outpost $220 million for its "Pegasus" rover, building upon initial contracts awarded two years ago.

Each rover is expected to have a range of 200 km and be capable of driving autonomously, with guidance from operators on Earth, in addition to being driven by astronauts. The rovers are designed to support exploration and construction activities around the lunar base, which NASA envisions as a permanent outpost for scientific research and human habitation.

The contracts represent a significant step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The rovers will be part of the base's infrastructure, enabling astronauts to traverse the lunar surface more efficiently than on foot.

NASA's lunar base plans include a perimeter concept, though details remain under discussion. The agency has not yet specified the exact location or full timeline for the base, but the rover contracts signal progress toward that goal.

Astrolab and Lunar Outpost are both American companies with prior experience in rover development. The CLV-1 and Pegasus rovers will undergo testing on Earth before being shipped to the Moon.

Deliveries are scheduled for 2028, with the rovers expected to operate for several years. NASA has not disclosed whether additional rovers or other equipment will be contracted for the base.

"This is a critical milestone for our lunar ambitions," Garcia-Galan said. "These rovers will be the workhorses of the Moon base."

Space Hero X
Space Hero X
Next Story

SpaceX Starship Reusability Path Unclear After IPO Filing and Test Flight

SpaceX's recent IPO filing and Starship test flight reveal a murky path to reusability for the massive rocket. The S-1 document and flight data suggest a longer timeline and higher costs than previously anticipated.

Biznab Editor
·
SpaceX Starship Reusability Path Unclear After IPO Filing and Test Flight

SpaceX’s recent IPO filing and a Starship test flight have provided two significant data points that paint a realistic picture of the company’s near-term prospects — one that may disappoint both enthusiasts and skeptics. The S-1 registration statement, filed with the SEC, outlines financial and operational details that suggest the path to Starship reusability is more complex and costly than earlier projections indicated.

The test flight, which took place at SpaceX’s Boca Chica facility in Texas, achieved several milestones but also highlighted technical hurdles. The vehicle completed a controlled descent and landing, but post-flight inspections revealed damage to critical components, including heat shield tiles and engine nozzles. SpaceX engineers are analyzing the data to determine the root causes and necessary design changes.

The S-1 filing discloses that SpaceX has spent over $5 billion on Starship development to date, with no clear timeline for achieving full reusability. The document notes that the company expects to incur significant additional costs before the rocket becomes operational. This contrasts with earlier statements from CEO Elon Musk, who had suggested a more rapid development schedule.

Industry analysts point to the challenges of developing a fully reusable super-heavy launch vehicle. The Starship system, designed to carry up to 100 metric tons to orbit, requires advanced thermal protection and propulsion systems that have yet to be proven in repeated flights. The S-1 filing indicates that SpaceX is pursuing multiple design iterations, which could delay the first commercial missions.

SpaceX’s plans for Starship include launching Starlink satellites, crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, and point-to-point Earth transport. However, the S-1 document emphasizes that these goals depend on achieving reliable reusability, which remains uncertain. The company has not provided a revised timeline for the first operational Starship launch.

The IPO filing also reveals that SpaceX has secured contracts with NASA for Starship-based lunar lander missions, but those agreements include milestones tied to vehicle performance. Delays in Starship development could affect those contracts and the company’s revenue projections. SpaceX has not commented on the specific findings from the recent test flight.

SpaceX’s stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SPCE later this year. The S-1 filing lists risks related to Starship development, including technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and competition from other launch providers. The company has not set a date for the next Starship test flight.

In the S-1 document, SpaceX states that it is committed to making Starship fully reusable but acknowledges that the timeline remains uncertain. The company plans to continue iterative testing and design improvements based on flight data. The recent test flight provided valuable information that will inform the next steps in the development process.

Related News