Macronix International, a leading player in the flash memory industry, is making significant strides with its innovative 3D NOR flash technology, unveiled at the recent electronica 2024 trade show held in Munich, Germany. This advancement marks a crucial turning point in the NOR flash memory sector, as the company claims to be the first in the world to develop standalone 3D NOR flash memory, breaking a long-standing technological bottleneck that had kept capacity at 4x nanometers (nm) for nearly a decade.
The NOR flash memory market is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates suggesting it could reach $3.6 billion by 2029, up from around $2.69 billion in 2024. This growth is expected to be driven largely by increased utilisation in automotive applications, particularly in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in-vehicle networks, autonomous driving technologies, and digital dashboards. Larger and more efficient NOR flash memories are becoming essential, as they provide the necessary storage for critical software, firmware, and mapping data required for these sophisticated automotive systems.
Martin Lin, Director of Macronix's Marketing Division, commented on the state of the industry, stating, “Considering the annual market size of NOR flash, which is around $2-3 billion, most manufacturers are no longer investing in developing new technologies for it.” Despite this industry trend, Macronix has committed itself to remain at the forefront of NOR flash technology. The company has focused on research and development, aiming to produce higher-density NOR flash solutions at lower costs.
The initial product created using the new 3D NOR technology is a single-chip 4Gb solution, designed to optimise performance by eliminating the need for stacking multiple chips, which can adversely affect reliability. Lin highlighted the advantages of this new technology, explaining that “achieving 4Gb 3D NOR flash with a single chip eliminates the need to change the packaging method,” thus enhancing reliability and quality.
In addition to NOR flash, Macronix is also advancing in the embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) market. Originally designed for smartphone storage, eMMC is transitioning into new embedded applications, particularly in automotive electronic control units, and is gaining traction as smartphones migrate to faster UFS memory. Lin noted that although eMMC supply from existing manufacturers may be uncertain, Macronix is positioning itself as a reliable supplier, having established a “Product Longevity Program” that ensures product availability for several years.
Macronix showcased its extensive memory product portfolio at electronica 2024, emphasising its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. The exhibition included collaborations with industry giants such as NXP, Renesas, ST, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA, spotlighting how Macronix’s technologies can integrate seamlessly into broader systems. Lin expressed optimism for eMMC in the embedded market, noting, “Now is the optimal time to aggressively push this market,” highlighting the company’s efforts to assure customers of its stability and reliability in providing long-term supply capabilities.
As Macronix sets its sights on mass production of its groundbreaking 3D NOR flash in the upcoming year, it continues to focus on expanding its influence not only in automotive sectors but also in various industrial applications, setting new standards for memory solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services