Tokyo - Elpida announced it has started production of 90 nm DRAM modules, allowing a smaller chip size and providing room for future speed and capacity increases.

The company is one of the first large manufacturers to introduce the new production process. Shrinking structures usually results foremost in a more economical manufacturing for semiconductor companies. In Elpida's case, the new 512 Mbit chips transitioned from a previous 100 nm now measure just 69.9 mm2, and enable the company to fit substantially more chips on one 300 mm wafer.

Besides increased output, the 90 nm process is also expected to lift memory speeds later this year. Standard DDR2 speeds currently reach 667 MHz with 800 MHz modules being scheduled by various manufacturers for the fourth quarter of 2005.

90 nm memory is also on the roadmap at other manufacturers. For example, Infineon said it currently prepares a shift in production of its DDR2 modules, down from 110 nm to 90 nm by summer of this year. Samsung announced in August of 2004 it would begin producing DDR2 in 90 nm early in 2005, but has not formally announced the move yet.

Meanwhile, memory companies are ramping up general DDR2 production aggressively with the target to match production and pricing of DDR1 by mid of this year. Consumers are likely to see pricing parity between DDR1 and DDR2 modules starting this summer.

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