[News] SK hynix Charts DRAM Roadmap, Highlighting 4F VG and 3D DRAM Adoption for Sub-10nm Era

Following its March rollout of 12-layer HBM4 samples, SK hynix unveiled a long-term DRAM roadmap and sustainability vision at the 2025 IEEE VLSI Symposium in Kyoto (June 8–12), highlighting plans for sub-10nm technologies, according to its press release and ZDNet.

Notably, in his keynote on June 10, CTO Cha Seon Yong highlighted the growing challenges of scaling with current technologies, adding that SK hynix will adopt 4F Vertical Gate and 3D DRAM technologies for next-gen nodes at 10nm and below, backed by breakthroughs in structure, materials, and components.

As noted by ZDNet, the 4F VG (Vertical Gate) platform is a next-gen DRAM technology designed to minimize cell area and enable higher density, faster speeds, and lower power consumption through a vertical gate structure.

In this VG structure, the gate—which acts as a switch in DRAM transistors—is built vertically and surrounded by the channel. This is a shift from the conventional planar design, where the gate lies flat on top of the channel, the report suggests.

While most DRAM today still uses 6F cells, SK hynix plans to shift to 4F cells and wafer bonding—placing circuits beneath the cell—to enhance both performance and cell efficiency, per the company.

Meanwhile, the memory giant also spotlighted 3D DRAM as a key pillar of SK hynix’s future roadmap alongside VG technology. While some warn that stacking more layers may drive up costs, Cha emphasized that continuous innovation will keep scaling viable, according to its press release.

Beyond architecture, SK hynix aims to push boundaries in materials and components, laying the groundwork for the next 30 years of DRAM evolution.

According to TrendForce, global revenue for the DRAM industry reached US$27.01 billion in 1Q25, marking a 5.5% QoQ decline. Notably, SK hynix claimed the top spot for the first time with $9.72 billion, boosted by strong HBM3e shipments that helped keep prices steady. Meanwhile, Samsung slipped to second with $9.1 billion, marking a steep 19% drop.

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(Photo credit: SK hynix)