Samsung Electronics has started mass producing the first 12-gigabit (Gb) LPDDR4 (low power, double data rate 4) mobile DRAM, based on its 20-nanometer (nm) process technology. The newest LPDDR4 is expected to significantly accelerate the adoption of high capacity mobile DRAM worldwide. The 12Gb LPDDR4 brings the largest capacity and highest speed available for a DRAM chip, while offering energy efficiency, and ease of design – all essential to developing next-generation mobile devices.

Compared to the preceding 20nm-based 8Gb LPDDR4, the 12Gb version is more than 30 percent faster at 4,266 megabits per second (Mbps), and is twice as fast as DDR4 DRAM for PCs, while consuming 20 percent less energy. In addition, manufacturing productivity of the 12Gb LPDDR4 has been raised more than 50 percent over that of 20nm-class 8Gb LPDDR4, which will further fuel demand for higher memory capacity in flagship mobile devices.

The 12Gb LPDDR4 enables 3 gigabyte (GB) or 6GB of mobile DRAM in a single package using just two chips and four chips respectively, while being the only solution that can provide a 6GB LPDDR4 package. Also, based on the new 12Gb LPDDR4, the 6GB package can easily fit into the same space used for 3GB LPDDR4 packages.

Samsung expects that due to the exceptional benefits of its LPDDR4 mobile memory, application areas will expand beyond smartphones and tablets to include ultra-slim PCs, digital appliances and automotive devices, in the coming years.

Comments on workforce reduction

In related news, Samsung said Wednesday it is relocating a small portion of its workforce, denying rumors that it plans to reduce its management-related staff amid a slowdown in earnings.

"It will only be relocations of workers," a high-ranking Samsung Electronics official said, denying the market's rumor that the company will seek to cut 10 percent of its management staff in departments such as sales and public relations.