SoftBank and Intel are collaborating through newly established Saimemory to develop an AI-optimized memory chip that consumes 50% less power than existing technologies. The innovative stacked DRAM design will differ from current high-bandwidth memory solutions, incorporating Intel’s technology and Japanese university patents, including from University of Tokyo. A functional prototype is expected within two years, with commercial launch planned for the 2020s, requiring an approximately $70 million investment.
SoftBank and Intel have entered into a collaborative agreement to engineer a memory chip specifically optimized for artificial intelligence applications. This chip is intended to facilitate a considerable lowering of energy requirements during operation. Central to this endeavor is the design and fabrication of an innovative stacked DRAM chip. This particular chip architecture will differentiate itself from prevailing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) solutions. According to information from Nikkei‘s staff writers, a primary objective for this new chip is to achieve a power consumption level approximately 50% lower than comparable existing technologies.
This development effort will be managed and driven by Saimemory, an enterprise that has been recently established for this purpose. Saimemory will draw upon Intel’s existing technological capabilities and will also integrate patented innovations originating from several Japanese academic and research institutions, with the University of Tokyo being a notable contributor.
A key milestone for the project is the completion of a functional prototype, with a projected timeline of approximately two years. Following the successful development and testing of this prototype, the involved parties will evaluate and make a determination regarding the feasibility and strategy for proceeding with mass production. The ambition is to bring this memory chip technology to the commercial market at some point during the current decade, specifically within the 2020s. The financial investment required for this entire undertaking, from development through to potential initial commercialization efforts, is projected to be in the region of $70 million.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? INTRODUCE US TO YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.